UK Gambling Commission Enhances Regulation of Adult Gaming Centers for 2025
Increased Oversight of Adult Gaming Centers
Andrew Rhodes, the CEO of the UK’s Gambling Commission, announced at the Bacta trade body’s Annual Convention in Leeds that the regulator has intensified its supervision of Adult Gaming Centers (AGCs) throughout the current year. Rhodes also emphasized the commission’s continued commitment to combatting illegal gambling activities, supported by allocated government funds.
Regulatory Measures and License Suspensions
Earlier in the year, the Gambling Commission reminded all licensed AGC operators of their duty to enforce self-exclusion policies. This reminder followed concerns raised by a BBC undercover investigation, which revealed that individuals who had self-excluded were still able to access some AGCs in Southern England.
Rhodes acknowledged that while media reports sometimes portray isolated incidents as representative of the entire sector—which may not always be fair—such perceptions influence regulatory actions. Despite repeated warnings, some AGC operators failed to uphold their responsibilities concerning self-exclusion.
As a result, the Commission took decisive action by suspending the operating licenses of seven AGC businesses this year for neglecting to engage with self-exclusion schemes. Although most of these licenses were reinstated after corrective measures were taken, these operators remain under investigation, with further sanctions possible depending on forthcoming findings.
Funding Boost to Strengthen Enforcement
The UK Gambling Commission continues to prioritize its funding to support stringent regulatory enforcement. The recent 25 November Budget, announced by Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, allocated an additional GBP 26 million (approximately $34.4 million) across three years to bolster the Commission’s work.
This financial support has enabled the regulator to enhance efforts against illegal gambling. According to Commission data, there is no indication of sustained growth in illegal gambling activities, despite a rise in observed activity in the latter half of 2024.
Rhodes highlighted that, in his two decades of experience on public boards, such robust backing from the UK Treasury is unprecedented. These funds specifically target the crackdown on illegal land-based gambling operations, although detailed strategies have yet to be disclosed.
Additionally, the UKGC continues its vigilance against unlawful online gambling, monitoring over 1,000 illicit gambling sites as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.
