UKGC invites proposals to simplify gambling regulations

Sami Kurvinen

Published on: 04 July 2026

3 minutes

How can you improve gambling regulations that will benefit consumers, businesses or regulation while not jeopardising consumer protections?

This is what the UK Gambling Commission is asking itself, and it invites stakeholders to submit their ideas.

What does the proposal process look like?

The application form asks for information in several areas:

1. Proposal summary

• A brief description of the proposed change.
• Which gambling licence or activity it affects.
• Which existing rule or regulation it relates to.
• What problem or burden the current rule creates.

2. Reason for the proposal

• Why the change should be made.
• How it would benefit consumers, businesses, or regulation.
• Any risks it could create and how those risks would be managed.
• The expected benefits or opportunities.

3. Implementation

• How the change could be introduced.
• The likely cost to the industry.
• How its success could be measured over time.

4. Other considerations

• Any assumptions or possible unintended consequences.
• How risks could be reduced.
• Any links to other work or initiatives.
• Any equality or inclusion impacts.

Who can submit a proposal?

The UKGC describes this as a formal invitation to the gambling industry to submit proposals, so this would typically include:

• Licensed gambling operators (online and land-based).
• Gambling software suppliers.
• Trade associations.
• Testing houses.
• Other organisations involved in the gambling sector.
• Gambling businesses.
• Licensing authorities.
• Local authorities.
• Test Houses.
• Trade associations.

Can individuals submit a proposal?

While this is intended as a formal invitation to the gambling industry, it doesn’t exclude individuals from submitting a proposal.

An individual with relevant expertise could, for example, provide helpful advice and improve current regulation practices.

Can stakeholders submit more than one proposal?

Yes, there is no limit to the number of proposals one can submit, but each proposal must be submitted individually.

By when must the proposal be submitted?

UKGC asks the gambling industry to submit their proposals at any time until September 25, 2026, using this application form.

Why is UKGC asking for outside ideas?

The UKGC is seeking external ideas to identify regulations that may be more burdensome than necessary while still achieving its core objectives of protecting consumers and ensuring gambling is fair and crime-free.

The regulator is effectively saying:

“Tell us where our rules could work better. If you can demonstrate that a requirement creates unnecessary cost or complexity without improving consumer protection, we’ll consider changing it.”