The UK Gambling Commission has confirmed that the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) will be wound down, marking the end of its original remit linked to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. The board was created to provide oversight and challenge on safer gambling measures and has now completed its intended role.
Key Contributions of the Advisory Board
During its time, ABSG pushed forward several notable developments in regulation. These included the recognition of gambling harms as a public health matter, the establishment of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel to bring the voices of those affected into policymaking, and support for a statutory levy to finance independent research, education, and treatment.
With the strategy milestones achieved, the Commission will now shift focus toward new arrangements, including the creation of a research-focused expert group that will benefit from statutory levy funding. This reflects a move into a new phase of evidence-based regulation.
Transition to Research-Led Oversight
Andrew Rhodes, Chief Executive of the Gambling Commission, praised ABSG for shaping the way gambling harms are addressed and for embedding lived experience into the regulatory process. He emphasised that future research programmes will require fresh expertise to ensure the Commission can respond effectively to emerging challenges.
Helen Child, Head of Governance at the Commission, added that ABSG made a significant contribution through its insight and engagement, acknowledging the dedication of its members.
The closure signals a transition in UK gambling oversight. As levy funding strengthens research opportunities, the Commission is preparing to rely more heavily on specialist input, ensuring policy continues to evolve alongside industry and consumer needs. The decision underscores a shift toward structured research as the foundation for future regulation.
