UKGC Plans Stricter Enforcement on Suppliers in 2025

According to chief executive officer Andrew Rhodes, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) plans to intensify its crackdown on suppliers working with unregulated operators in 2025. 

Speaking at the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), Rhodes emphasized the Commission’s commitment to utilizing advanced tools such as covert test purchases and other investigative methods to identify companies aiding unlicensed gambling activities.

“Whatever They Are Supplying You With, Stops – Immediately”

The regulator’s much-anticipated announcement comes after facing a lot of scrutiny on their stance on the matter, with special emphasis on Evolution disclosing that its license was under review due to its games being accessed by unlicensed operators last year.

Rhodes, who joined the UKGC in June 2021 as interim chief executive and was named permanent CEO a year later, delivered a stern warning to those relying on third-party suppliers.

He explained that, provided the Commission would deem it “necessary to suspend or revoke the license of any operator or supplier,” their activity would cease straight away. 

“Whatever they are supplying you with, stops – immediately,” Rhodes said, further adding: “anyone who is reliant on a third party needs to be comfortable they are not likely to face that risk and if you think you are, I would be doing something about that now.”

Tackling Unregulated Operations

Rhodes also emphasized the regulator’s recent focus on “upstream disruption,” including significant investment in combating unlicensed football gambling. 

The strategy is aligned with a broader European trend of regulators targeting suppliers and payment providers to curb illegal gambling networks.

When questioned about whether the industry itself should bear the responsibility of policing unlicensed gambling, Rhodes rejected the notion. 

He questioned the rationale for any licensed business collaborating with entities that support illegal competition.

Industry Commitment and Challenges Ahead

Speaking alongside Rhodes, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO Grainne Hurst reinforced the commitment of supplier members to avoiding involvement with illegal gambling.

Rhodes also took the opportunity to address the ever-growing complexities of gambling regulation in the UK, referring to the challenges triggered by ongoing debates and upcoming changes, including the Statutory Levy and the creation of an Ombudsman. 

The latter is a government employee responsible for investigating and attempting to resolve complaints. 

“As the Statutory Levy, Ombudsman and various other changes get nearer, I do wonder whether the frequent ‘absolutism’ we often see in the commentary from various groups will continue,” he said, warning against entrenched positions that overlook the core issues.

At the end of October, we reported on the UKGC’s decision to launch its first-ever comprehensive black market study in the UK. Initial findings are scheduled for release this spring.