UK Launches Review of Gambling Act After More Than 20 Years
United Kingdom.- 10 November 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com The United Kingdom has launched an independent review of gambling legislation to determine whether the Gambling Act 2005 remains fit for purpose amid technological and commercial changes across the industry.
The investigation will be conducted by the newly established Gambling Policy Commission (GPC), which will consider whether a new Gambling Act is necessary.
The review will examine prediction markets, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrencies, taxation and consumer protection.
The final report is expected in 2028.
Comprehensive Review of Gambling Regulation
The Gambling Act 2005 remains the principal framework governing commercial gambling activities in Great Britain.
The legislation established the foundations of the licensing and supervisory system, including the Gambling Commission.
More than two decades later, the GPC intends to determine whether this framework can adequately respond to emerging industry challenges.
The inquiry will also assess the results of the government’s gambling reforms announced in 2023 and their impact on operators and consumers.
Prediction Markets and Artificial Intelligence
One of the principal areas of investigation will be digital products that share characteristics with traditional gambling.
The commission will examine:
- Prediction markets: platforms offering contracts linked to future events.
- Artificial intelligence: emerging technological applications within gambling products and services.
- Cryptocurrencies: the role of digital assets in gambling-related activities.
- Hybrid digital products: services combining financial features with gambling-like characteristics.
Particular attention will be given to the regulatory boundaries between gambling and financial activities.
Taxation to Feature Prominently
The GPC will also investigate the effects of gambling tax changes on the British industry.
The review will consider how taxation influences operators, market sustainability and consumer protection policies.
According to official figures, gambling contributed approximately £5 billion in gross value added to the UK economy in 2024.
The sector also supported around 75,000 jobs in 2025.
During the 2025/2026 financial year, betting and gaming duties generated £3.9 billion in tax receipts.
Illegal Gambling Under Investigation
Another objective is to assess the scale of illegal gambling and the effectiveness of existing enforcement measures.
The commission will examine the role of:
- Payment platforms.
- Websites and internet services.
- Search engines.
- Social media platforms.
- Mobile app stores.
A recent Gambling Commission survey found that 2.5% of adults who had gambled online during the previous year had used an illegal gambling website in the four weeks before the survey.
However, industry specialists cautioned that this percentage does not directly indicate the share of gambling revenue generated by illegal operators.
Player Protection and Gambling-Related Harm
The investigation will also consider the social and economic consequences associated with gambling.
The review will examine prevention measures, treatment programmes and existing consumer protection mechanisms.
It will assess the effectiveness of the new statutory levy supporting research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.
The GPC will also explore whether future legislation should allow civil liability for certain types of gambling-related harm.
Sports Betting and Racing Funding
The relationship between gambling and sport will be another important subject.
The commission will examine the financing of British horseracing and the possibility of introducing a dedicated contribution linked to sports betting.
One option under consideration is partially replacing General Betting Duty with a Sports Betting Levy.
The review will also assess whether sporting organisations should hold economic rights related to betting on their competitions.
Jagjit Chadha to Chair the Commission
The Gambling Policy Commission will be chaired by Jagjit Chadha, an economist at the University of Cambridge.
James Reade, from the University of Reading, will serve as Chief Economist.
Chadha noted that the last comprehensive independent review of British gambling legislation took place approximately 25 years ago.
The new inquiry aims to examine the available evidence and identify an appropriate legislative and regulatory framework for the coming years.
Evidence Submission Deadline Set for February 2027
The commission has invited submissions from researchers, consumers, gambling operators, regulators and policymakers.
The timetable includes:
- 12 February 2027: deadline for evidence submissions.
- Throughout 2027: further evidence gathering and commissioned research.
- 2028: publication of the final report.
The findings could inform future legislative proposals, although the commission does not have the power to amend gambling law directly.
Industry Impact and Next Steps
The review could represent an important step towards modernising Britain’s gambling regulatory framework.
Prediction markets, taxation, illegal gambling and emerging technologies will be among the main considerations.
With an inquiry continuing until 2028, the United Kingdom is opening a debate on whether its Gambling Act 2005 should be replaced or substantially reformed.
The final recommendations could influence future government policy and the regulatory conditions facing the gambling industry.
Edited by: Cristobal R.
