UK Launches Independent Commission to Review Gambling Laws

Gambling Policy Commission Opens Evidence-Gathering Process

The commission will invite organisations, industry stakeholders and individuals to submit evidence and proposals by 12 February 2027. Following this consultation process, it intends to publish its findings and recommendations ahead of the UK's next general election.

According to Chadha, the last comprehensive independent review of gambling legislation took place approximately 25 years ago. Since then, the industry has undergone significant changes, driven by technological developments, the expansion of online gambling and the emergence of new market segments.

The current regulatory framework, established under the Gambling Act 2005, is increasingly being questioned over its ability to address the challenges of today's digital environment. The legislation has been described as "analogue" in the context of developments such as online betting, prediction markets and cryptocurrencies.

At the launch of the initiative, Chadha outlined the commission's approach, stating: "Our aim is to examine the evidence carefully and independently, understand how the current system has operated, assess the impact of recent reforms and determine what legislative and regulatory framework will be appropriate in the years ahead."

Horse Racing Financing Among the Commission's Priorities

Another key area of the review will be the relationship between gambling regulation and British horse racing, particularly the sport's specific position within the country's betting ecosystem.

The commission will examine mechanisms such as the statutory betting levy and media rights arrangements linked to betting volumes. Although horse racing represents a relatively small share of the overall gambling market, betting remains an important source of funding for the sport.

This relationship raises broader questions about the economic contribution of gambling to sporting activities and the regulatory mechanisms that support their financing.

Multidisciplinary Expertise to Assess the Gambling Framework

The commission brings together specialists from several fields, including economics, law, public policy, public health and sport.

Among its members are chief economist James Reed and Tom Savill, director of Plumpton Racecourse. Both have co-authored research examining the financing model and economic significance of British horse racing.

The commission's conclusions could contribute to shaping the next stage of gambling regulation in the UK, addressing the challenges posed by technological innovation while reassessing the effectiveness of the existing legislative framework.

Its work will therefore extend beyond the assessment of individual regulatory measures, placing the future structure of the British gambling market and its relationship with the wider digital economy at the centre of the debate.