Table of Contents
The roadmaps represent an update to the Commission’s existing Evidence Gaps and Priorities document and were created through a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process involving researchers, academics, policymakers, people with lived experience of gambling harms, and industry representatives.
David Taylor, Head of Evidence Assurance and Evaluation at the Gambling Commission, introduced the roadmaps, stating that the document addresses previous feedback about the broad scope of existing evidence themes by providing greater detail and transparency around regulatory evidence needs.
Six Priority Evidence Themes
The Commission has identified six evidence themes that will shape its research agenda:
Early Gambling Experiences and Gateway Products
This theme examines the pathways through which children under 16, young people aged 16-17, and young adults aged 18-24 begin gambling. The research aims to determine whether certain products serve as entry points to higher-risk gambling activities.
The Range and Variability of Gambling Experiences
Moving beyond basic problem gambling prevalence rates, this theme explores the diverse and evolving patterns of consumer behavior across different demographics, from occasional bettors to high-frequency players. The goal is to enable more targeted and proportionate regulation.
Gambling-Related Harms and Vulnerability
This research stream focuses on how consumers experience financial, mental, and physical harm from gambling. The Commission seeks to improve identification of vulnerable players and evaluate the real-world effectiveness of responsible gambling interventions.
The Impact of Operator Practices
This theme analyzes how operator strategies—including bonus structures, VIP programs, customer communications, and cross-selling—influence consumer behavior and contribute to harm. The findings will inform safer gambling compliance standards.
Product Characteristics and Risk
Building on recent regulatory actions such as the ban on auto-play and "slam stops," this research examines which specific product design features carry the greatest risk of harm, including game speed, visual and audio design, and the risk profile of newer game formats.
Illegal Gambling and Crime
This theme investigates the extent and impact of the unregulated market, including connections to money laundering and organized crime. The research will guide enforcement efforts, particularly regarding cryptocurrency use in unlicensed gambling and suppliers providing content to illegal operators.
Implementation and Collaboration
The Commission emphasized that it will not be the sole body addressing these research questions. While the themes relate directly to the regulator’s mandate to keep gambling safe, fair, and crime-free, other stakeholders are encouraged to conduct research that addresses identified evidence gaps.
The Commission will receive levy funding to commission regulatory research, allowing it to accelerate progress on these priorities. The organization is also working closely with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the main research commissioner under the new levy system, to coordinate funding and research efforts.
To facilitate collaboration, the Commission has launched a Research Reporting Form that stakeholders, academics, and researchers can use to share information about their work and how it addresses the roadmap priorities. The Commission may also issue letters of support for research that aligns with roadmap areas, helping researchers secure funding from other sources.
Future Updates
The Commission plans to revisit the roadmaps toward the end of 2026 to provide updates on progress—both completed studies and ongoing research. While academic research typically requires over a year from start to publication, the Commission intends to maintain regular communication with stakeholders to track additional work being conducted in these priority areas.
The Evidence Roadmaps are positioned as a "living document" designed to guide long-term, collaborative research efforts. The findings from studies in these six theme areas are expected to inform the development of future license conditions and codes of practice for the gambling industry.
Source: UK Gambling Commission
