UK Statistics Watchdog Unhappy with UKGC Gambling Surveys
The UK's Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has completed its compliance review of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), identifying several areas where the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) must make improvements. The review, which was initiated at the request of the Gambling Commission itself, did not aim to assess the survey's eligibility for formal accreditation as official statistics but rather focused on enhancing the quality, transparency, and usability of the data generated through the GSGB.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The OSR's findings resulted in nine specific recommendations intended to bring the GSGB more closely in line with the Code of Practice for Statistics. Among the key recommendations is the development of a comprehensive improvement plan by the UKGC to address prior evaluations by Professor Patrick Sturgis. This plan is expected to clarify how the UKGC intends to respond to identified methodological and communication shortcomings in the survey process and outputs.
Related: Former Gambling Executives File Lawsuit Against UK RegulatorOne of the review's primary concerns is the need for greater transparency regarding quality assurance and validation practices. The OSR emphasized that more detailed explanations of these processes would increase public and stakeholder confidence in the GSGB's reliability.
The report also highlighted the necessity for clearer communication about potential biases in the data. This includes outlining which gambling behaviors may be overestimated and how such biases could affect the interpretation and use of the survey findings.
The UKGC is being urged to provide guidance on how the GSGB data should be used, what its limitations are, and which audiences it is intended to serve. The OSR recommends tailoring this guidance for different user groups, including policymakers, academics, and media representatives, to ensure the information is accessible and appropriately interpreted across sectors.
Another recommendation focuses on data coherence. The OSR expects the UKGC to investigate how GSGB statistics align with other relevant datasets, such as the Health Survey for England and the forthcoming Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey. The goal is to enhance the comparability of gambling data across different studies and improve users' understanding of the survey's role within the wider gambling research framework.
More Regulation News
Major Overhaul Needed
To strengthen user engagement, the review suggests that the Commission develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to involve users at all stages of survey development. This includes documenting user needs, incorporating feedback, and being open to challenges.
The OSR stresses the importance of maintaining two-way communication, where users are informed about how their input is being used and which aspects of the GSGB statistics can or cannot be altered based on that feedback.
The OSR also recommends that the UKGC broaden its network of stakeholders and establish more collaborative relationships with producers of official statistics. Expanding engagement with a more diverse range of users and data producers is seen as a vital step toward producing statistics that meet the varied needs of different groups.
To further improve communication, the OSR has advised the gaming regulator to publish a dedicated strategy outlining how it intends to update users and stakeholders on GSGB developments. This communication plan should take user preferences into account and ensure that information is disseminated in an effective and user-friendly manner.
The accessibility and presentation of GSGB data is another area identified for enhancement, with the OSR encouraging changes that reflect user expectations regarding the detail and clarity of statistical outputs.
The UKGC is expected to publicly respond to the OSR's recommendations by this July. Although the Commission has already initiated some improvements, the OSR emphasizes the importance of a transparent and structured update outlining the steps taken and the roadmap for ongoing reform. This response will be closely watched by stakeholders who rely on the GSGB for evidence-based policy development and public discourse on gambling behaviors in the UK.
RELATED TOPICS: Regulation
Latest News
Most Read
Nevada Gaming Commission Approves Merkur Acquisition of Vegas-Based Gaming Arts
May 23, 2025Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for UK Statistics Watchdog Unhappy with UKGC Gambling Surveys