UKGC Introduces Quarterly Regulatory Returns for Licensees

Effective July 1, 2024, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has implemented a new requirement for all licensed gambling operators to submit regulatory returns on a quarterly basis. This adjustment to Licence Condition, 15.3.1 of the Licence Conditions and Code of Practice (LCCP), is part of the Commission’s effort to enhance its regulatory effectiveness through more frequent data collection.

Quarterly Reporting Initiative

Jason Davies, the UKGC Data Analytics Manager, explained that the shift to quarterly returns aligns with the Commission’s strategic goals for 2024 to 2027. These goals focus on leveraging data and analytics to create a more effective regulatory framework. By standardizing reporting periods, all licensees will now provide data for the same intervals, starting with the period from July 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024.

“Introducing quarterly submissions helps us maintain a risk-based, evidence-led regulatory approach,” Davies stated. “Regular, harmonised data collection allows us to monitor market trends more closely and manage our resources more efficiently. This also enables more frequent publication of official statistics, which is beneficial for those analyzing the gambling market.”

Balancing Reporting Frequency with Simplified Requirements

The UKGC recognizes that the increase in reporting frequency may be a concern for some licensees. To address this, the Commission has streamlined the process by reducing the number of questions in the regulatory returns. The specific questions that have been removed are detailed in the “Question removal” section of the Regulatory returns changes effective from July 1, 2024.

With the transition to quarterly reporting, most licensees’ last return, whether previously annual or quarterly, will conclude on June 30, 2024. This change ensures that all licensees align with the new reporting cycle starting from July 1. As a result, partial returns are required, with submissions due by July 28, 2024, for those previously on a quarterly schedule, or by August 12, 2024, for those on an annual schedule. Licensees can complete these submissions through the eServices portal.

Updated Guidance and Future Improvements

The UKGC has also revised the Regulatory returns guidance to reflect these changes. This includes removing references to eliminated fields and adding definitions for fields that were previously auto-calculated within eServices.

“We have more updates planned for the guidance based on feedback from licensees,” Davies mentioned. “Our goal is to clarify any unclear aspects and ensure comprehensive guidance by the end of August. We are not changing the information required but aim to provide clearer instructions.”

This move towards quarterly regulatory returns represents a significant step in the UKGC’s strategy to use data and analytics to improve regulatory outcomes. Consistent and timely data submissions will enhance the Commission’s ability to track market changes and respond proactively, ultimately strengthening the regulatory environment and protecting consumers.

Source: Making improvements to regulatory returns, Gambling Commission, July 17, 2024.