According to the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes, who spoke at the Bacta trade body’s Annual Convention in Leeds, the regulator has stepped up its oversight of Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) throughout this year. In addition, Rhodes talked about the commission’s funds and vowed that the regulator will continue its fight against illegal gambling.
UKGC Boss Explains the Regulator’s 2025 Activities
Rhodes confirmed that the regulator issued formal communications to all licensed AGCs earlier this year, reminding operators of their responsibilities regarding self-exclusion. While not explicitly linked, this action may have been influenced by an undercover BBC investigation released in June, in which a reporter, who had previously self-excluded, was still permitted to enter multiple AGC venues in the South of England.
Rhodes noted that media coverage often suggests that a single case or example reflects the behavior of an entire industry or sector, acknowledging that while this may be unfair, it remains the reality. He explained that earlier in the year, the UKGC had written to all adult gaming center licensees to remind them of their obligations concerning self-exclusion.
He added that, despite these warnings, some operators still failed to take their responsibilities seriously. As a result, the Commission announced at the start of the month that it had taken firm regulatory action. According to Rhodes, seven AGC operators had their operating licenses immediately suspended this year for failing to participate in a self-exclusion scheme. Although most licenses were later reinstated after clear steps were taken to address the issues, all of the operators involved remain under investigation, which could lead to further regulatory measures.
Rhodes Talked About the Regulator’s Funds
One thing that remains fully within the UKGC’s remit, and which the regulator never loses sight of, is funding. The 25 November Budget announcement by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, revealed that an additional GBP 26 million (around $34.4 million) has been allocated to the regulator over three years.
The funds have been utilized quite well over the past years, as the regulator has been continually stepping up its game in combating illegal gambling in the country. According to data from the UKGC, there is no evidence of growth in illegal gambling despite increased activity observed in the latter half of 2024.
The millions of dollars in funds have been warmly welcomed by the UKGC. The significance of the investment was further underscored by Rhodes’ remark that, in his 20 years on executive boards of public bodies, he had never encountered such a level of support from the UK’s Treasury before.
Rhodes explained that the funds would be directed specifically toward strengthening efforts to combat illegal land-based gambling. While he did not reveal what that fight would look like, chances are that the regulator will continue its watchdog duties on the online gambling scene. Last month, at the International Association of Gaming Regulators in Toronto, Canada, Rhodes revealed that the UKGC is keeping tabs on over 1,000 illegal gambling sites in its fight against the illegal industry.