Gambling Commission's Angus: LAs Must Step Up Premises Inspections

The Gambling Commission's Director of Policy Ian Angus delivered a stark assessment of local authority enforcement at the Institute of Licensing Annual Conference 2025, revealing that roughly one-third of local authorities conducted no gambling premises inspections in the past year while total inspections have fallen by a third since 2019/20.

Speaking at the Institute of Licensing conference on 27 November 2025, Angus emphasized the Commission's commitment to the co-regulatory model established under the Gambling Act 2005, but made clear that gaps in local regulation cannot be filled by the national regulator.

"The Gambling Commission has no interest in calls from some for us to move on to your turf and start doing your job for you. We respect our relationship with you as co-regulators and that means we want to work closely with you on our shared roles."

— Ian Angus, Director of Policy, Gambling Commission

Gambling Landscape Shows Mixed Participation Patterns

The Commission's latest data reveals the continuing significance of gambling in Great Britain, with 48 per cent of adults participating in some form of gambling within the past four weeks. The figures, drawn from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain – which surveys around 20,000 adults annually and represents the biggest survey of its kind in the world – show participants were more likely to gamble online than in person, by 38 per cent to 29 per cent respectively.

However, when lottery draws are removed from the calculation, the pattern shifts dramatically. Only 18 per cent of participants had gambled in person compared with 16 per cent online, demonstrating the continuing role of land-based gambling beyond lottery sales.

The most popular activities remain traditional forms available on high streets: playing the National Lottery at 31 per cent, buying tickets for other charity lotteries at 16 per cent, and purchasing scratchcards at 13 per cent. By comparison, 11 per cent placed bets in the last four weeks and 5 per cent gambled on fruit machines or slots.

Premises Numbers Show Modest Changes Despite Media Narrative

Contrary to media narratives suggesting explosive growth in gambling premises, the latest industry statistics published this week show modest changes in the physical footprint of gambling operations. Great Britain currently hosts 8,234 gambling premises, including 5,825 betting shops – both figures representing slight declines from the previous year.

Adult Gaming Centres number 1,451 across Great Britain, representing an increase of just 49 premises from the previous year. These facilities serve 2,179 gambling operators licensed in the GB market, itself a slight decline year-on-year.

"Whilst the GGY figures – both remote and non-remote - are showing increases on the year before, it's worth noting that both those premises figures are showing modest declines, something I suspect many of you might be surprised to hear given the narrative in parts of the media."

— Ian Angus, Director of Policy, Gambling Commission

Angus acknowledged that gambling regulation has become a particularly heated topic over the past year, with local authority roles receiving unprecedented attention. He noted this focus was "unfair on the hard work that local authorities do in this space" while emphasizing that some councils aren't as active as they should be.

Local Authority Performance Shows Concerning Gaps

The Commission's analysis of Licensing Authority Returns reveals significant variations in local authority engagement with gambling regulation. While 329 authorities out of 350 submitted returns – achieving an impressive 94 per cent response rate – the data exposed concerning enforcement gaps.

Between April 2024 and March 2025, roughly one-third of local authorities conducted no inspections of gambling premises in their areas. Total inspections across Great Britain numbered 2,208, representing a one-third decline from the 3,203 inspections conducted in 2019/20.

Angus acknowledged these figures don't capture the full picture, noting that operators now conduct mandatory third-party test purchasing and that licensing authorities engage with operators through various channels beyond formal inspections. However, he emphasized the importance of demonstrating effective use of existing powers.

"We do think that making full use of the powers LAs already have would not only help support our shared regulatory objectives for gambling but also go a long way to demonstrating that more powers are needed."

— Ian Angus, Director of Policy, Gambling Commission

The Commission continues supporting local authorities through various channels, including the LA bulletin and quarterly webinars run by Rob Burkitt, alongside events like the conference where Jane Blade conducted gambling-related workshops.

Gaming Machine Reforms Progress Through Consultation

The implementation of the 2023 Gambling Act Review White Paper continues with significant developments in gaming machine regulation. The Commission's consultation on Gaming Machine technical standards, which closed in the Summer, attracted over 1,000 responses – reflecting exceptional industry engagement.

The consultation proposed five new standards, including time and monetary limit setting functionality, safer gambling messaging requirements, and session information displays. Additional proposals covered amendments to three existing standards and consolidation of the current 12 technical standards into a single framework aligned with remote gambling standards.

Meanwhile, DCMS is consulting on two parallel areas affecting land-based gambling: adjustments to stakes and prizes for Category D gaming machines, including changes for crane grabs, coin pushers, and non-money prize machines, plus creation of a new category of 'slot-style' non-money prize machines.

DCMS also seeks views on establishing clearer distinctions between Adult Gaming Centres and bingo premises, with key proposals including mandatory 'bingo areas' occupying minimum floor space proportions in licensed bingo venues.

Sheffield Case Demonstrates Existing Powers Potential

The November 2023 decision by Sheffield City Council to refuse an Adult Gaming Centre premises licence – subsequently upheld through court proceedings earlier this year – exemplified how existing powers can be effectively deployed without legislative changes.

Angus noted that no legislation changed to enable Sheffield's successful defense of its decision, highlighting that effective regulation depends on how existing powers are utilized rather than acquiring new authorities.

"Nothing in legislation changed to make that judgment possible. So whether laws change or not, the world will and we need to make sure that how we work together keeps pace."

— Ian Angus, Director of Policy, Gambling Commission

The Commission featured Sheffield City Council's perspective in its June LA Bulletin, encouraging local authorities to review the case study for insights into effective licensing decisions.

Guidance Review Addresses Evolving Challenges

The Commission is reviewing its guidance to local authorities, informed by questionnaire responses from licensing authorities across the country. This review will determine whether and when to consult on revised Guidance to Licensing Authorities.

DCMS has committed to seeking legislative vehicles for cumulative impact assessment powers for local authorities regarding gambling licensing – a development both regulators and local authorities are monitoring closely.

The co-regulatory model established under the Gambling Act 2005 – with the Commission holding "board rooms to account" nationally while local authorities regulate "on the high street" – received confirmation in the 2023 White Paper as a continuing strength of Britain's gambling regulatory framework.

Strategic Implications for Co-Regulatory Partnership

Angus's address underscores the delicate balance between national oversight and local enforcement that defines British gambling regulation. While the Commission maintains its evidence-based approach through surveys like the GSGB and comprehensive industry statistics, effective ground-level regulation depends on consistent local authority engagement.

The inspection data reveals a regulatory system under strain, with reduced enforcement activity occurring alongside calls for enhanced local authority powers. This creates a paradox where additional authorities may be granted before existing capabilities are fully utilized.

The Sheffield case demonstrates that current legislation provides sufficient tools for robust decision-making when properly applied. However, the one-third decline in inspections since 2019/20 suggests systematic capacity constraints rather than isolated enforcement gaps.

For gambling operators, this regulatory landscape presents both opportunities and risks. Inconsistent enforcement across jurisdictionss may create competitive advantages for some while exposing others to unexpected regulatory challenges. The Commission's emphasis on co-regulatory partnership signals that operators must navigate both national policy requirements and varying local implementation standards.

The gaming machine consultation's substantial response rate – over 1,000 submissions – indicates industry recognition that technical standards revisions will significantly impact operational practices. With implementation timelines extending into the new year, operators face continued regulatory uncertainty in a crucial revenue sector.

According to UK Gambling Commission.