APPG Launches Major Inquiry into Future of UK Gambling Regulation

The inquiry comes more than two years after the publication of the Government’s White Paper “High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age”, and amidst mounting pressure for a more robust and responsive regulatory framework.

Time for a New Gambling Act?

The APPG will explore whether the current regulatory and legislative framework is still fit for purpose or whether the time has come for a completely new Gambling Act. The group will also assess how gambling regulation intersects with wider policy areas such as public health, criminal justice, local government, and financial services.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Chair of the APPG, commented: “The previous Government’s White Paper marked a step in the right direction by beginning to address some of the challenges posed by today’s gambling industry. However, it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure our regulatory framework is fit for the digital age to protect people from harm. This inquiry will play a crucial role in shaping our recommendations to Government.”

Key Issues Under the Microscope

The inquiry will evaluate several major elements of current gambling regulation, including:

• Implementation and funding of the statutory levy

• Introduction of an independent gambling ombudsman

• Effectiveness of staking limits and affordability checks

• Suitability of proposed liberalisation for land-based gambling

• Advertising, marketing and sponsorship practices

• Crypto-gambling, social casinos, and other emerging technologies

• Performance of the Gambling Commission and related bodies

Alex Ballinger MP, Vice-Chair of the APPG, added: “Today’s gambling industry requires stronger and more effective regulation across a range of areas - from advertising and taxation to the future of land-based gambling. This inquiry will be wide-ranging, including asking if it is time for a new Gambling Act.”

Public Health at the Core

Beccy Cooper MP, another member of the APPG, emphasised the urgency of the issue from a public health perspective:

“Gambling is a public health matter and should be treated with the same seriousness and urgency as any other health crisis. It is time for a fundamental review of regulation and legislation across the entire gambling sector to ensure people are properly protected from harm.”

Call for Evidence

The APPG is now inviting organisations, stakeholders, and individuals to submit evidence to inform its work. Submissions should be sent to grh-appguk@dgagroup.com by 5:00 PM BST on Friday, 12th September 2025.

The evidence will help the APPG assess whether the UK’s gambling laws are equipped to handle rapid technological change and protect consumers from harm, particularly in light of new data highlighting the evolving nature and scale of gambling-related issues.

Industry Impact

The inquiry could have significant implications for all parts of the UK gambling industry; including land-based venues, online operators, suppliers, and regulators. With questions being raised about everything from staking limits to crypto-gambling, the outcome of this review may influence the next phase of reform and legislation.