The Gambling Commission relaxed guidance on its controversial participation survey despite weak evidence, according to Regulus Partners, who have raised concerns over transparency, potential bias and influence on policy decisions ahead of this month’s gambling tax hike. It seems the Commission picked the wrong day to give up reliable regulation.
The Gambling Commission may have misled policymakers and the public over problem gambling data, according to a report by Regulus Partners.
The January 2026 report alleges the regulator misrepresented findings from research into its Gambling Survey for Great Britain, a study widely criticised for potentially overstating problem gambling rates.
Regulus claims the Commission relaxed guidance cautioning against using GSGB data to estimate national problem gambling levels at a critical moment before the Autumn Budget, a move which, it says, led to significant tax increases for the industry.
The consultancy argues research conducted by the London School of Economics and NatCen produced mixed results that should have reduced confidence in the survey, rather than strengthening it.
Internal correspondence appears to support this view. An LSE researcher stated: “On the matter of grossing up. I don’t think the experimental results really makes much difference to this.”
Similarly, a Commission reviewer wrote: “I don’t think this change in the guidance really follows from the experimental research.”
And yet, the Regulus report notes, the guidance was relaxed.
Regulus further suggests the decision may have been influenced by external pressure, citing officials noting that “our stakeholders want to be able to do this.”
A GC spokesperson did “not accept the views expressed in the latest commentary on GSGB” and stood “firmly by guidance” the regulator issued. However, while the Commission rejects Regulus’ report, it is yet to provide any argument against it.
“The Commission has not disputed the evidence or attempted to provide any explanation for what went on,” concluded Regulus’ Dan Waugh.
Somehow though, the weight of criticism lodged against the GSGB and, in particular, the suspicious timing surrounding the release of what many have always argued is effectively dodgy data will certainly stand firm against the regulator’s posture.
Such is the level of trust in the Commission, few in the industry currently believe much of what the regulator says when it comes to GSGB data – and the Regulus report serves to confirm why confidence in the GC has tanked.
And that’s not even factoring in the flaws in the GSGB when it comes to bingo and casino stats. The survey data is incorrect – and the Commission is in a state of denial over it.
All quiet on the western front
Dan Waugh said… “The Commission has not disputed the evidence or attempted to provide any explanation for what went on…
Originally published on Coinslot on April 19, 2026. Republished with permission.