Tim Miller Speaks About UK Gambling Climate

At the most recent Global Gaming Expo (G2E) in Las Vegas, Tim Miller, the Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, addressed the recent shifts in the British gambling landscape.

Miller began by emphasizing, “Regardless of the size or established nature of your jurisdiction, external influences always come into play.” He then provided some noteworthy statistics. The Gross Gambling Yield, excluding an additional $10 billion from lotteries, reported at the end of March 2022 was £14.1 billion ($17.3 billion).

By March 2023, 44% of adults reported engaging in some form of gambling activity within the preceding four weeks.

Miller says that since the onset of Covid-19, many aspects of the world have changed, and gambling has not been exempt. The similarity of these numbers to early 2020 does convey a narrative in itself.

He went on to elaborate on the significant transformation underway in the UK markets. The Gambling Commission not only concluded the largest enforcement case in history in the past year, but also set records for the largest settlements—twice.

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In total, the Gambling Commission resolved 24 cases, resulting in payments exceeding £60 million. This is a substantial increase compared to the three operators that paid out £1.7 million in 2016/17.

Commenting on the new deal, Tim Miller, Gambling Commission Executive Director, said: “One leading operator recently told us from their own research that 9 out of 10 of the largest enforcement penalties worldwide and 85% of all enforcement action in gambling worldwide has been carried out by the British Gambling Commission.”

The Gambling Commission recently took action by suspending In Touch Games, citing concerns over potential violations of the Gambling Act. However, Tim Miller emphasized that their efforts extended beyond fines and enforcement.

Miller highlighted the commission’s efforts in establishing collaborative ties with both the North American Gaming Regulators Association (NAGRA) and the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) to enhance communication on regulatory matters.

He also pointed out a significant 46% reduction in traffic from the UK to illicit gambling websites over the past year.

In conclusion, Miller highlighted that the gambling industry is global, involving operators on a global scale. No regulator, regardless of their experience or size, can act as the world’s policing force for this industry. However, through collective efforts and a commitment to collaboration, they can work towards achieving safer, fairer, and crime-free gambling environments for our jurisdictions and consumers.

Source:

“Tim Miller comments on current UK gambling climate”, gamblinginsider.com, October 11, 2023.