UKGC Create Three New Groups To Combat Safer Gambling Standards

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is to create three new groups led by gambling industry experts in a bid to address safer gambling regulations.

Updated: 26 January 2024 By Becky Mosley

The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) is to create three new groups led by gambling industry experts in a bid to address safer gambling regulations.

Three Challenges

The newly formed groups will focus on game and product design, advertising and high value player incentives encouraging gambling.Back in October 2019, UKGC CEO Neil McArthur defined three challenges, which need to be addressed in a bid to combat problem gambling and gambling related harm in the UK.GVC Holdings will work closely with the Betting and Gaming council focusing directly on VIP incentives. These incentives in the past have encouraged high roller players to gamble excessively after receiving VIP tickets to football matches, huge bonuses and flights to matches abroad. The group are looking at bringing these incentives in line with the licensing objectives to make gambling more fair and safe.Playtech and SG Gaming are working on producing an effective Industry Code for Product Design, looking at ways the industry can continue producing safe products in the future.Sky Betting will oversee the advertising technology, looking at ways to reduce the amount of advertising seen by children, younger adults and vulnerable people as quickly as possible.

Key problems

All three groups will focus on key problems within the industry that Neil McArthur believes once addressed, will see a massive reduction in gambling related harm in the UK.He said,“ Consumer behaviour and technology are changing so quickly that only a bold and innovative approach will allow us to achieve a reduction in the numbers of people experiencing, or at risk from, gambling related harm. “ I’ve been encouraged by the willingness of so many operators to work with us on these challenges. We’ve set demanding timetable for progress because we cannot proceed at the speed of the slowest. If rapid progress is not made then we will look at other options as making gambling safer for consumers is paramount.

Becky Mosley
Editor-in-Chief at Compare Casino Sites

Rebecca (Becky) Mosley has been at the heart of the UK online gambling industry since 2008 — making her one of the most experienced voices in casino comparison. She is editor-in-chief at Compare Casino Sites and personally oversees every casino review published here.

Becky brings a genuine player-first perspective to everything on CCS. Her approach has always been the same: transparency, fair bonus terms, and responsible gambling above all else. She insists on the same standards from every operator listed on the site — if a casino's terms can't stand up to plain-English scrutiny, it doesn't earn a recommendation.

Over 17 years in the industry, Becky has built deep expertise across UK Gambling Commission licensing, slot game mechanics, bonus structures, and the constantly evolving regulatory landscape. She works directly with operators and software providers to keep every listing accurate, and reviews each casino's wagering requirements, withdrawal limits, and customer support before a single rating goes live.

Becky is a Companies House registered director.