UKGC Executive Director Tim Miller Highlights Regulatory Progress at Peers for Gambling Reform Summit
At the recent Peers for Gambling Reform Summit, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), delivered a detailed account of the Commission’s recent regulatory advancements and enforcement efforts—underscoring the agency’s unwavering commitment to evidence-based reform and consumer protection.
1. Advancing Evidence-Based Regulatory Reform
Miller opened by emphasizing the significant milestones achieved since the Gambling Act Review and the publication of the White Paper in 2023. These developments reflect the UKGC’s dedication to grounding policy evolution in objective data and rigorous evaluation.
Key reforms already implemented include:
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Financial Vulnerability Checks: Aimed at identifying individuals at risk of harm.
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Improved Direct Marketing Regulations: Reducing the volume and impact of aggressive promotional messaging.
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Enhanced Age Verification Measures: Increasing protections for younger players, particularly those under 25.
While acknowledging that some may consider these steps insufficient, Miller reiterated the nature of regulatory work as an ongoing process, requiring constant review and recalibration.
2. Enforcement in Numbers: Tackling Illegal Gambling
Miller revealed significant enforcement actions taken since April 2025 against unlicensed operators targeting the UK market:
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344 cease-and-desist orders issued.
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45,674 URLs reported to search engines; 30,605 removed successfully.
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235 websites removed or geoblocked.
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466 additional sites referred for delisting.
These figures reflect a robust crackdown on unregulated gambling, showcasing the UKGC’s resolve to dismantle illicit operations across digital channels.
3. Looking Ahead: Continuous Reform and Kaizen Approach
Miller concluded with a reaffirmation of the UKGC’s forward-looking stance. In a sector where products, delivery models, and risks evolve swiftly, the Commission remains committed to:
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Ongoing assessment of policy outcomes.
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Collaboration with stakeholders.
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Iterative reform to ensure regulation remains fit for purpose.
Summary Table
| Focus Area | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|
| Policy Reform | Financial checks, marketing controls, age verification |
| Enforcement Results | Nearly 46,000 URLs flagged; 30,000+ removed, 235 sites blocked |
| Regulatory Philosophy | Continuous, evidence-led improvement to adapt to evolving market dynamics |
Final Thoughts
Tim Miller’s address highlights a regulator in constant motion—one that aligns firm enforcement with thoughtful, data-driven policy evolution. The UKGC’s strategy balances immediate consumer protection with long-term systemic reform to sustain integrity across the UK’s gambling landscape.
