NatCen Tasked with Developing Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for Gambling Act Review

NatCen, a renowned research center, has been commissioned by the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) and the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) to spearhead the development of a Monitoring and Evaluation Plan for the ongoing Gambling Act Review. This initiative comes amidst growing concerns regarding the prevalence of gambling-related harms and the need for effective regulatory measures.

NatCen's role encompasses delving into the ongoing reforms initiated by the Gambling Act Review to assess their efficacy in mitigating issues related to gambling harm. The center will also scrutinize the balance between consumer freedoms and the prevention of gambling-related harm, aiming to ensure robust protection for British consumers across both land-based and digital gambling platforms.

Under the agreement, NatCen will construct a Theory of Change (ToC) in collaboration with DCMS and UKGC, taking into account the evolving landscape of the gambling industry. Moreover, NatCen will deliver a comprehensive evaluation plan that offers practical recommendations for implementing the review effectively.

Dr. Sokratis Dinos, NatCen’s director of health policy, emphasized the importance of the Gambling Act Review, citing the evolving perspective on gambling harms. The evaluation will delve into the effectiveness of preventive measures, ensuring a balance between consumer freedom and informed choice.

The ongoing Gambling Act Review, initiated in 2020, aims to modernize British gambling regulations to align with contemporary challenges. Meanwhile, the UK Gambling Commission recently expanded its Industry Forum, reinforcing efforts to address gambling-related issues.

In a separate study, Ygam highlighted the susceptibility of student gamblers to overspending, shedding light on broader behavioral patterns within the gambling market.