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UKGC Welcomes OSR Review of Gambling Survey for Great Britain

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The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has welcomed the findings from the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) regarding the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB).

Both the public statement and comprehensive review of the GSGB praised the development and transparency of the survey and provided a series of important recommendations to further enhance its reliability and user engagement.

Ben Haden, Director of Research and Statistics at the UKGC, said: “We welcome the findings from OSR, both the public statement regarding casework they have received in relation to GSGB and their overall review of the GSGB. We are pleased they recognise the huge amount of work that the team has put into developing and delivering the largest survey of its kind in the world. We also welcome OSR’s recommendations for further action, which closely align with work that we already have underway.”

The GSGB collects the Commission’s official statistics on gambling behaviours in Great Britain. After several years of extensive development, the Commission asked the OSR to review GSGB against its standards in the Code of Practice for Statistics to support continual improvement and provide independent assurance on quality and transparency.

As OSR rightly states, the absence of accredited official statistics status does not imply the GSGB is of lower quality or reliability, despite some claims to the contrary. The decision on which one to use should be based on user need and not accreditation status.

It also acknowledged that the Commission has presented clear and impartial information about the strengths and limitations of the methodological approach and statistical uncertainty of survey estimates.

The Commission has already acted on several areas outlined in the report based on earlier feedback and will provide a further, fuller update in July in line with OSR’s request.

As part of its commitment to improvement, the Commission has already updated its guidance for users of the GSGB in February 2025, with clearer examples and dedicated contact channels for questions or concerns. The Commission has also committed to promoting this guidance more widely and embedding it across all future releases.

The OSR noted that communication and user engagement will be critical to the GSGB’s ongoing success. In response, the Commission has announced plans to establish a GSGB Statistics User Group. Around 70 stakeholders have already expressed interest in joining the group, which will serve as a forum for dialogue, feedback, and shared learning.

Further improvements are underway in line with recommendations from Professor Sturgis’s independent review of the GSGB. An experimental research project was launched in April 2025 to test specific aspects of the survey’s methodology. Fieldwork is now in progress, with findings expected in Summer 2025. These results will inform the second GSGB annual report, due for publication on 2 October 2025.

Other recommendations already actioned:

• survey improvement plan updated with further information for users

• new survey questions designed to validate GSGB findings against external data sources such as Gamstop and the Bingo Association

• improvements to accessibility and usability of GSGB outputs – links to guidance added to statistical outputs released on 22 May.

Other recommendations that will be actioned:

• comparisons with forthcoming datasets from the Health Survey for England and the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, due later in 2025

• publication of a communications strategy to improve how GSGB updates are shared

• ongoing improvements to accessibility and usability of GSGB outputs to be informed by GSGB stats user group.

The Commission continues to engage with other official statistics producers, including Ofcom, the Money and Pensions Service and devolved government agencies, and is reviewing user engagement frameworks to develop a formal user engagement strategy.

The post UKGC Welcomes OSR Review of Gambling Survey for Great Britain appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

Compliance Updates

Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy

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Under the theme “Perspectives,” a total of 43 compliance staff members from the Merkur Group across various countries gathered from 30 June to 1 July to further develop compliance processes in a sustainable manner. Colleagues from Germany, Spain, England, Malta, Australia and the US traveled to the two-day meeting at Benkhausen Castle, the in-house training centre of the Merkur Group. The workshop set the stage with expert presentations on global and digital topics such as cybersecurity, risk management and artificial intelligence. A panel discussion featuring representatives from various international companies within the Merkur Group, as well as a digital quiz, rounded out the programme.

In keeping with its guiding principle, the workshop focused on sharing experiences, fostering global networking and providing impetus for the further development of compliance processes. Because informal exchanges are also key to close cooperation, the evening programme created a relaxed atmosphere and gave participants the opportunity to continue their conversations, make new connections, and further strengthen team spirit across company and national boundaries.

“The ideas and diverse perspectives gained during the workshop will now be incorporated into our day-to-day work and help us to continuously improve collaboration and existing processes,” said Ludwig Beckmann, Chief Compliance Officer of the Merkur Group.

The concluding feedback session also highlighted just how valuable the international exchange is. The term “collaboration” came up particularly often, a clear indication of how highly the participants value working closely together within the international compliance network.

The post Merkur Group Strengthens Global Compliance Strategy appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling

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The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) is encouraging parents and guardians to be alert to the signs of gambling among young people and to intervene early to prevent gambling harm.

The signs of gambling aren’t always visible, the GRAI in partnership with the Health Service Executive Addiction Services have developed dedicated advice on www.grai.ie to equip families with the knowledge to recognise the signs, advice on how to start the conversation with their children about gambling, and where to seek help if required.

To support the guidance, the GRAI has launched a national public awareness campaign across video on demand, radio, digital audio, and social media platforms, bringing this message directly to families across Ireland.

With the lines between entertainment and gambling increasingly blurred, especially online, what may look like harmless fun can still involve risk, money and chance in ways that affect young developing brains. Research commissioned by the GRAI and conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that children who gamble are twice as likely to develop a gambling problem as adults.

Anne Marie Caulfield, CEO of the GRAI said: “We have launched this campaign to help parents start an important conversation about the risks of underage gambling. Children and young people are among the most at-risk members of Irish society when it comes to gambling exposure and harm. Children’s brains are still developing the judgement and impulse-control systems used to weigh up risk, which makes gambling appealing to them.

“With online gambling available at any time of the day, it is easy for the warning signs to be hidden. The guidance the GRAI developed with the HSE Addiction Services sets out some of the key behavioural signs to look out for in your child.”

The post GRAI Launches New Campaign Helping Parents to Spot the Signs of Underage Gambling appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner

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The NSW Government has announced the opening of an expression of interest process for Chief Commissioner and Commissioner roles on the NSW Independent Casino Commission (NICC).

On 20 May 2026 the Governor of NSW, on the recommendation of the Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris, re-appointed the NICC Chief Commissioner Philip Crawford, and Commissioner Stephen Parbery for additional six-month terms to 24 November 2026.

The reappointments will ensure stability in the NICC’s leadership in coming months and an orderly transition to new commissioners.

Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery have announced they will retire from public service when their tenures expire in November.

Both were inaugural members of the NICC when it was established in September 2022 in response to the Bergin Inquiry recommendations to strengthen casino regulation and oversight in NSW.

Prior to appointment to the NICC, Mr Crawford served as Chairperson of the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA), while Mr Parbery served as an ILGA board member.

Both Mr Crawford and Mr Parbery played crucial roles in the NICC’s response to the two Bell inquiries into The Star and have contributed to strengthening oversight and accountability across the casino sector including the transition of Crown Sydney to an unrestricted licence.

The appointment process for the NICC Commissioner vacancies is being undertaken in accordance with requirements under the Casino Control Act 1992.

This includes establishment of a selection panel to prepare a list of recommended candidates for consideration by Minister Harris, as well as the appointment of a probity adviser.

The expression of interest process is open until Monday 3 August.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: “I thank Philip Crawford and Stephen Parbery for their service and leadership, particularly during a critical period for casino regulation in NSW.

“As Chief Commissioner, Philip Crawford has played a key role in ensuring both casino operators meet strict regulatory requirements, following the various casino inquiries.

“His leadership has been instrumental in overseeing complex probity assessments, remediation programs and contingency planning during a period of significant regulatory reform and scrutiny.

“Stephen Parbery has also made a substantial contribution as Commissioner, bringing considerable expertise and judgement to the Commission’s work.

“Both Commissioners have helped drive important regulatory improvements that have restored public confidence in the integrity of casino regulation in NSW, and I thank them for their dedicated service.”

The post NSW: EOI Opens for Candidates to Replace Retiring NICC Chief Commissioner and Commissioner appeared first on EE Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.

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