While the Gambling Survey for Great Britain was controversial upon release, Gambling Commission CEO Andrew Rhodes has advised Coinslot readers in his Review of the Year that “misinformation and poor reporting” was largely to blame, with the regulator dedicating “substantial effort” to ensure that “the conversation around gambling behaviour is grounded in evidence”. Facts and stats are going to be the cornerstone for 2025’s schedule of activity.
The Gambling Commission is dedicated to ensuring that “the conversation around gambling behaviour is grounded in evidence”, according to CEO Andrew Rhodes.
In his key-note contribution to Coinslot’s Review of the Year 2024, Rhodes discussed how the Gambling Survey for Great Britain, released as official statistics this year, became a source of “deeply polarised debate” around gambling behaviour.
“Striking a balance between presenting evidence and facts while navigating strong personal and commercial opinions has been a significant challenge,” Rhodes wrote. “Discussions surrounding new data sources, such as the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), have highlighted the complexities involved. A great deal of attention often focuses on a single figure – namely the Problem Gambling Severity Index score – but the broader context and wealth of evidence within the survey are equally critical and often overlooked. This dynamic has made constructive dialogue particularly challenging throughout the year.”
It’s a sharp observation, which even for this publication’s reporting is actually not far from the truth. The PGSI has always been the stat that has the gravitational pull – it’s where we, as in the industry, the media and the gambling charities take off our jumpers, roll up our sleeves and dive in for the brawl.
But, Rhodes takes the more holistic view. He emphasised the regulator’s pride at launching GSGB, calling it a big step forward and the largest survey of its kind in the world.
Despite the survey’s many critics, he believes the Commission is now confident that it has an “independently recognised, robust methodology” that can be used for years to come. The challenge, however, is ensuring that the information is reported appropriately by a mainstream media that loves to spark outrage.
“Misinformation and poor reporting have posed significant hurdles this year,” continued Rhodes in his 2024 review. “We have dedicated substantial effort to addressing inaccuracies and ensuring that the conversation around gambling behaviour is grounded in evidence.”
These will be somewhat comforting words to an industry that is often slandered by the press with no means of recourse. All any operator is asking for is an evidence-based approach to regulation, and the Commission’s signal certainly points in the direction that the GSGB will help ensure the evidence is water-tight.
And 2025 is where the Commission is focused. “As we move forward, our focus will remain on refining and enhancing the survey, ensuring it continues to serve as a reliable foundation for informed decision-making and industry progress,” concluded Rhodes.
But the GSGB isn’t the be-all and end-all of the Commission’s activity. Progress made on illegal gambling was “a standout achievement” he wrote, and the industry, in particular, will welcome the more muscular stance of the Commission against illegal operators suggested in the review.
And then there’s the spirit of goodwill, which of course, whilst being mandatory, is also sincere in the Rhodes review. Goodwill’s going to be difficult – nigh on impossible to achieve, especially with the roll-out of the Gambling Review Act, but heading into 2025, Rhodes has certainly decided to sit down, share a mince pie and pull a Christmas cracker or two with the industry.
“Overall, the industry is showing growth with a wide variety of consumer choice and I’m confident that there will continue to be good productive relationships between all parties,” he signed off.
Well, let’s all tak a cup o’kindness yet, for the sake of auld lang syne.
