UK

Outgoing Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes is reportedly preparing to join a consultancy created by gambling law firm Harris Hagan after leaving the regulator, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest.

The Betting and Gaming Council has launched a new “Spot the Black Market” campaign aimed at helping players identify illegal gambling sites as concerns grow about the size of the UK’s online black market.

New data from Nationwide shows gambling spending rising in the UK, with the top 10% of gamblers wagering an average of £745 per month. The findings come ahead of a busy year of major sporting events expected to drive further betting activity.

A new bookmaker has entered the UK market just weeks before the Cheltenham Festival, promising a data-driven approach inspired by the medical sector.

Ealing Council has launched a consultation on its draft 2026 Gambling Licensing Policy, covering 148 premises across the borough and introducing a new local area profile to assess gambling harm risks. Residents and businesses have until 22 March 2026 to respond.

New data from the UK Gambling Commission shows Gross Gambling Yield reached £4.3bn between July and September 2025, driven primarily by online casino activity.

Tim Miller told BGC members the Commission is preparing for fee increases, expanding its illegal market crackdown and exploring a regulated pathway for crypto payments.

UK licensed casinos continue to reject crypto payments as strict anti-money laundering and affordability rules leave little room for anonymous digital deposits.

More than 250 patients have contacted the BBC claiming prescription dopamine agonists triggered severe gambling addictions, prompting renewed scrutiny of drug warnings and regulatory oversight.

Wales will launch its first NHS-backed Gambling Helpline on 1 April, offering open-access support and specialist treatment funded by the UK gambling levy.