UKGC to call for changes to operator licence fees in Q2 2020
Regulator to set up new Experts by Experience advisory panel to provide advice on forthcoming UKGC decisions
The Gambling Commission will lobby the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to change operator licence fees following criticism over a lack of resources for the regulator.
The UKGC confirmed it would make the request during Q2 in its business plan for 2020-21, by establishing whether there is a case for changing licence fees before providing its opinion to DCMS.
The research follows a National Audit Office report in February which claimed the UKGC lacked the necessary funding to cope with gambling’s “huge and fast-evolving industry”.
In addition, the regulator will publish clearer guidance about its corporate governance process in Q2 following NAO claims it does not sufficiently clarify regulatory activities.
It will also provide advice to the government on the forthcoming review of the 2005 UK Gambling Act, which was initially confirmed last year, while the UKGC will seek to set up an “Experts by Experience” advisory board made up of consumers and those who have previously experienced gambling-related harm.
“Their advice will ensure that the voice of consumers, particularly those who have experienced harm, more fully informs decisions at the heart of our organisation,” the UKGC said.
UKGC expected licence fee distribution 2020-21. Source: Gambling Commission
The regulator revealed it will aim to improve the licensing process for new operators by the end of 2020, however the details of what improvements it will make have not been revealed.
UKGC CEO Neil McArthur said the regulator’s approach to compliance and its assessment of operators would get “even tougher” over the next two years.
“The volume and complexity of our work continues to grow,” McArthur claimed.
“However, we will continue to focus our resources on the areas that have maximum impact for the greatest number of consumers and will make sure we have the capacity and capability to keep pace with emerging issues and risks that regulating a complex industry required,” he added.