University of Glasgow Creates Overwatch Tool for Global Gambling Regulation

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have introduced the Global Gambling Control Scorecard (GGCS) – what they call the world’s first international benchmarking tool for gambling regulation. It enables regulators, researchers, and other stakeholders to assess and compare how effectively different countries oversee gambling and safeguard players.

University of Glasgow Launches GGCS

Developed by a team of university researchers with backing from the World Health Organization (WHO) and other global partners, the project aimed to establish an international framework for comparing how different countries regulate gambling. The GGCS currently includes data from 34 European jurisdictions.

According to Heather Wardle, professor of gambling research and policy at the University of Glasgow, the GGCS is “a vital tool for anyone interested in how gambling is regulated internationally, and learning about what is happening in other countries.”

Researcher Daria Ukhova noted that regulatory efforts too often emphasize “responsible gambling,” placing the responsibility on individuals. She explained that this approach diverts attention from broader systemic factors that substantially increase the risk of harm. She pointed out that an earlier global review conducted by her team at GRG showed that, even when legislation acknowledges gambling-related harms, policy responses frequently remain narrowly centered on individual behavior rather than on implementing structural protections.

Ukhova expressed hope that the GGCS will help redirect attention toward these structural issues and serve as a valuable resource for researchers, regulators, and civil society organizations worldwide working to reduce gambling harms.

GGCS Provides Researchers with a More Comprehensive View on Gambling

GGCS currently draws on more than 40 separate indicators to assess regulatory performance. These indicators encompass traditional regulatory tools, including licensing systems, legal status, and measures to combat illegal gambling. They also include policies focused on preventing harm, along with efforts to encourage collaboration across sectors like mental health and financial education. 

According to the researchers, the complete dataset and codebook are openly accessible, allowing stakeholders to compare national regulatory systems, spot weaknesses, and assess reforms across countries. With additional funding and partnerships, the team aims to extend the tool’s coverage beyond Europe to a truly global scale.

Researchers argue that by charting factors such as legal status and regulatory models, as well as measures against illegal or unlicensed gambling, harm-prevention policies, and other relevant aspects, the GGCS provides a more comprehensive picture of where countries excel and where regulatory efforts remain inconsistent or outdated.

While the GGCS currently focuses on European jurisdictions, the team aims to broaden its reach worldwide as additional funding and partnerships become available.