London, Feb 28: The UK Gambling Commission is entering what senior officials describe as a “transition phase,” with new funding, potential fee increases and the exploration of cryptocurrency payments all on the table.Speaking at the 2026 annual general meeting of the Betting and Gaming Council in London on 26 February, Tim Miller, Executive Director for Research and Policy, outlined three priority areas shaping the regulator’s next chapter: reviewing licence fees, intensifying action against illegal gambling, and examining whether crypto-assets could be integrated into licensed betting.The address comes as the long-running reform process following the Gambling Act 2005 White Paper nears completion and leadership changes are expected at the Commission.
A Regulator in TransitionMiller acknowledged that the industry is operating in a period of change, pointing to recent Budget measures, the review of regulatory funding and the final stages of implementing White Paper reforms.While leadership transitions are anticipated, he stressed continuity in the Commission’s core mission: ensuring gambling in Great Britain remains fair, safe and free from criminal activity.Dialogue with licensed operators, he said, will remain central to achieving compliance at the earliest possible stage, reducing the need for formal enforcement wherever possible.£26 Million Boost to Tackle Illegal Gambling A significant portion of Miller’s speech focused on the illegal gambling market. The regulator has been allocated £26 million over three years by HM Treasury to strengthen enforcement efforts.Miller described the funding as a sign of government confidence but emphasised that the regulator cannot address the issue alone. The Government’s Illegal Gambling Taskforce now includes representatives from financial services firms and social media platforms, recognising that unauthorised operators often rely on digital advertising and payment channels.One early development involves engagement with Meta Platforms, which has committed to work with the Commission to curb advertisements promoting sites that market themselves as “not on Gamstop” — a reference to the UK’s national self-exclusion scheme.Officials say enforcement will not be limited to blocking websites.
The Commission also wants to understand why some consumers turn to black-market operators and ensure that the regulated sector remains competitive and attractive.Maintaining high levels of “channelisation” — the proportion of customers using licensed platforms — is viewed as essential for consumer protection.Licence Fee Review Under ConsultationAlongside enforcement measures, the regulator is facing financial pressure. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has launched a public consultation on updating licence fees paid by gambling operators.Current regulatory fees have remained unchanged for five years, despite increasing supervisory demands and more complex corporate structures within the industry.
Under proposals being considered, the Commission’s income — excluding the National Lottery — would rise from 0.21% to 0.28% of Gross Gambling Yield. Miller warned that without additional resources, the regulator may be forced to scale back or delay certain activities at a time when oversight expectations are growing.The review aims to strike a balance between maintaining robust regulation and ensuring that the British gambling market remains commercially competitive.Crypto Payments on the HorizonMiller also addressed the possibility of allowing cryptocurrency as a payment method within the regulated market, subject to wider financial regulation.With the Financial Conduct Authority expected to finalise its digital-asset framework in 2026, the Commission is exploring how crypto payments might fit within licensed gambling, provided consumer protection and anti-money laundering safeguards can be assured.He described the approach as one of “exploring the art of the possible,” while acknowledging significant risks and operational challenges.
A Call for StabilityAfter several years of sweeping reform, Miller urged caution against further rapid regulatory change. With most White Paper measures now in place, he argued that the industry and regulator alike need time to assess their impact.Continuous adjustments, he warned, could make it harder to evaluate whether reforms are strengthening consumer protection and keeping players within the legal market.For now, the message from the Commission is clear: stronger enforcement, sustainable funding and measured innovation — but fewer sudden shifts.As Britain’s gambling landscape enters its next phase, both regulators and operators appear to agree on one point: stability may be just as important as reform.
