UK council gambling powers set to become law: Gambling Commission
The UK Gambling Commission expects new powers for English councils to influence gambling licensing decisions to pass into law, marking a shift in how local authorities manage gambling activity in their communities.
Speaking at the Institute of Licensing Gambling Conference, Director of Policy Ian Angus said reforms linked to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill are progressing steadily through Parliament.
“Government has, of course, committed to exploring how to give local authorities the power to carry out gambling impact assessments when looking at licensing decisions in your communities,” Angus said. “Both of these have been moving forward in Parliament recently, and we expect them to make it into law.”
Gambling Impact Assessments to reshape approvals
At the centre of the reforms are Gambling Impact Assessments (GIAs), a new mechanism that would allow councils to evaluate the potential social impact of gambling venues before granting licences. Under the proposals, local authorities will be able to assess levels of gambling harm in specific areas. The authorities can then use that evidence to reject applications where risks are deemed too high.
Once adopted, GIAs must be included in a council’s Statement of Principles before they can be used to guide decisions. This could introduce a presumption against approving new premises in vulnerable areas, although operators would still be able to challenge decisions.
“There will be scope for applicants to assert that their application is reasonably consistent with the licensing objectives and should be granted,” Angus noted.
Commission to guide councils on implementation
Angus said the Commission will play a key role in supporting local authorities once the legislation is passed. “When the Bill has completed its passage through Parliament and become law, the Commission will work with DCMS to produce guidance using robust evidence to inform meaningful consultation,” he said.
The guidance will aim to ensure GIAs are applied consistently and backed by reliable data, while also encouraging engagement with communities and industry stakeholders.
Illegal gambling and online enforcement also in focus
The proposed council powers form part of a broader package of reforms following the Gambling Act review. Alongside GIAs, the Commission is also expected to gain new powers to tackle illegal online gambling. Both measures are advancing through separate legislative routes.
Angus highlighted the regulator’s strengthened enforcement capacity, supported by £26 million ($35.3 million) in additional funding from the Treasury.
“This funding will certainly allow us to upscale our activity,” he said, adding that resources will now extend further into land-based enforcement. “This will give us a capability now to do a lot more in the land-based space than we’ve been able to do before.”
Industry faces pressure from tax and policy changes
The regulatory changes come as operators respond to a tougher fiscal environment following the UK’s latest Budget. From April 2026, Remote Gaming Duty has increased from 21 per cent to 40 per cent, with further changes to betting duties set for 2027. Angus acknowledged that these measures are already influencing business decisions.
“Given recent announcements by various leading gambling operators, we are now expecting to see a number of gambling premises close,” he said. The Commission expects its regulatory returns data to reflect these trends over the coming year.
Participation steady despite shifting landscape
Despite the policy and economic shifts, participation levels in Great Britain remain stable. According to the Commission’s Gambling Survey for Great Britain, almost half or 48 per cent, of adults reported gambling in the past four weeks. While online gambling appears more prevalent, Angus explained that much of this is driven by lottery participation.
“When lottery draws are removed, 18 per cent had gambled in person, compared with 16 per cent online,” he said.
The data also shows that 2.7 per cent of respondents fall into the highest risk category for gambling harm, a figure Angus described as “statistically stable.”
Commission emphasises partnership with councils
Angus also underscored the importance of collaboration between the Commission and local authorities, particularly as new powers are introduced.
“Local authorities have a crucial role in the regulation of gambling across the country,” he said. “You are a vital source of intelligence and data for the Commission.”
In his speech, Angus added that the regulator will continue to provide training, guidance and support to ensure councils are equipped to take on expanded responsibilities.
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