UKGC Deputy CEO Sarah Gardner Praises Lottery Sector

Sarah Gardner, Deputy CEO of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC), has emphasized the importance of collaboration between the lottery sector and the regulator to address the growing need for player protection. Speaking at the Hospice Lotteries Association Conference, Gardner highlighted the crucial role lotteries play in benefiting UK communities.

Her remarks referenced findings from the recent UKGC Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which revealed that 31% of those who gambled in the past four weeks did so via the National Lottery, followed by 16% participating in charity lotteries and 13% purchasing scratchcards. Gardner noted:

“This data clearly tells us just how important your lotteries are to the good causes you raise money for and the communities you support.”

Gardner also praised the fundraising achievements of Society Lotteries, which raised £421.7m for good causes in the year ending March 2023, a 14.6% increase from pre-pandemic levels. She recognized the efforts of the lottery sector, saying,

"You all should be recognised for your efforts and for the public good your work leads to, year in and year out."

The UKGC's new survey methodology, designed to better capture consumer gambling behaviors, was another key focus of Gardner’s speech. While acknowledging some criticism of the new approach, she reassured the sector, stating:

"We have invested significant resources – money, people, and time – and worked alongside experts in the field, to develop the best consumer gambling survey that we can."

The new methodology, independently reviewed by Professor Patrick Sturgis of the London School of Economics, was praised for being “exemplary in all respects.” However, Sturgis warned of potential over-reporting risks as the methodology is refined. Gardner stressed the necessity of the change, explaining, “It is simply not credible to persist with a methodology that was outdated and had the gaps in evidence we have experienced.”

Looking ahead, Gardner confirmed that next year’s Annual Report will feature a survey pool of approximately 20,000 participants, making it the largest participation and prevalence survey of its kind globally. This will provide deeper insights into gambling behaviors, product offerings, and their societal impacts.