Gambling Commission Issues Final Call For Feedback On UK Regulatory Burdens
The Gambling Commission has issued a final reminder to UK licensees and stakeholders that its call for proposals to reduce regulatory burdens closes on Friday, September 25 2026.
The Commission opened the exercise on June 26 2026, as part of its 2026/27 Business Plan, inviting proposals to identify rules, guidance and administrative processes that could be simplified.
The Commission has stressed this is a call for proposals rather than a consultation on specific changes.
What The Commission Is Asking For
In a notice published on its website, the Commission said it wants to identify opportunities to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining strong consumer protections and upholding the licensing objectives of the Gambling Act 2005.
"We intend to support consumer-focused innovation, ensuring consistency with regulatory requirements. Subject to resources, we will additionally review industry proposals to reduce regulatory administrative burdens and identify any proposals to amend regulations or improve the communication of them," the Commission said.
Submissions can address the Commission's own Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice, technical standards and Statements of Principles, as well as the wider regulatory landscape and how different requirements interact.
The formal invitation document asks respondents to use an online form to set out their proposals, along with the anticipated benefits and impacts.
Proportionality Is The Test
The Commission said the costs of complying with the regulation and of demonstrating compliance should remain proportionate to the risks faced by consumers.
Its Policy and Research team is looking for practical proposals that reduce costs without compromising the Gambling Act's principal objectives of keeping crime out of gambling, ensuring fair and open gambling, and protecting children and vulnerable people.
Proposals may target requirements or guidance that, due to the passage of time or other regulatory changes, no longer serve their original purpose well, or that could be streamlined or rationalised.
The Commission is looking to identify rules that have become outdated, guidance that is unclear, and requirements that overlap.
What Won't Be Considered
The Commission has made clear it is unlikely to take on detailed proposals relating to policies still under consultation, or to revisit recently introduced measures whose long-term effects have not yet been evaluated, saying that would require very strong evidence of adverse consequences.
It has also confirmed the exercise will not reopen the consumer protection package introduced through the Gambling Act Review and the 2023 white paper.
Once the submission window closes, the Commission will assess proposals and determine what action, if any, it can take to keep the regulatory burden proportionate to risk.
Any changes to existing controls may require a formal consultation before implementation.
