UK Gambling Commission Closes ABSG as Focus Shifts to New Research Phase

The UK Gambling Commission has confirmed that the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling (ABSG) will close, marking the end of its role in guiding the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms.

Good to know

• ABSG helped frame gambling harms as a public health issue.
• The board played a role in creating the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP).
• Its closure clears the way for a new expert group focused on levy-funded research.

Why ABSG Is Closing

ABSG was originally set up to provide oversight, scrutiny, and advice on the three-year National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. With the strategy completed and its milestones delivered, the Commission said it is time to transition to new structures that better support upcoming regulatory priorities.

Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes noted:

“ABSG has played an important role in shaping how we think about gambling harms, and embedding lived experience perspectives into regulation. I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.”

Key Contributions of ABSG

Over its lifespan, the board influenced several major developments:

1. Elevating gambling harms into the broader public health conversation.
2. Embedding lived experience voices into decision-making through the creation of LEAP.
3. Backing the introduction of the statutory levy to fund independent research, education, and treatment.

These steps have laid the groundwork for reforms that will continue to shape UK gambling regulation.

With levy funding secured, the Commission plans to establish a new research-focused expert group. This body will guide the expanded research agenda now possible under the levy, ensuring evidence-based insights continue to inform policy and regulation.

Rhodes added:

“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work. This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”

Helen Child, Head of Governance, also expressed gratitude:

“ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”

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