UK Government Outlines Objectives and Composition of Illegal Gambling Taskforce

(AsiaGameHub) –   The new UK Illegal Gambling Taskforce will feature specialized subgroups targeting three primary areas.

UK – The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has released further details about the newly established Illegal Gambling Taskforce. It has issued updated terms of reference outlining the group’s objectives, membership structure, and meeting protocols.

The document confirms that the taskforce will work to develop solutions and offer recommendations aimed at mitigating the negative effects associated with illegal gambling challenges. Three subgroups have been formed to address three core priorities: curbing or limiting financial transactions between consumers and illegal gambling operators, combating the online promotion of illegal gambling, and enhancing inter-agency cooperation and enforcement efforts related to both remote and land-based illegal gambling operations.

These subgroups will report progress and present recommendations through a structured program of work. The taskforce is initially set up to operate for 12 months, after which its scope and membership will be reassessed and renewed as needed.

Baroness Fiona Twycross, Minister for Museums, Heritage and Gambling, will serve as chair of the taskforce. Membership will include a diverse mix of experts and representatives from the gambling industry, technology platforms, payment processors, the Gambling Commission and other regulatory bodies, government departments, and trade associations. Specific organizations and individuals serving as members will not be publicly disclosed.

The DCMS Director of Sport and Gambling will act as co-chair, and additional stakeholders may be invited by the government to participate in specific agenda items or within the subgroups, potentially including individuals outside the formal taskforce membership.

Industry participants will contribute to and implement non-legislative measures concerning advertising and payment services, both on behalf of their own organizations and by encouraging broader sector-wide action.

Meeting schedule

The full taskforce will convene at least twice annually, while each subgroup will determine its own meeting frequency, with guidance to meet at least quarterly in order to provide timely updates ahead of the biannual taskforce sessions.

The terms emphasize that the taskforce will not oversee or interfere with operational decisions made by the Gambling Commission. However, its functions and responsibilities may evolve based on emerging priorities and challenges identified during its activities. Any modifications will require approval from the taskforce in coordination with the Minister, Deputy Chair, Secretariat, and relevant stakeholders, with corresponding updates made to the terms of reference if necessary.

In separate developments, the Gambling Commission is currently recruiting a head of illegal markets. Additionally, the regulator has secured £26 million in extra government funding over the next three years, enabling it to intensify its focus on illegal land-based gambling across the UK.