The Gambling Commission has increased its emphasis on research in a new Evidence Roadmaps publication, setting out what it sees as priority areas to build “a more robust understanding of gambling-related issues.”
The Roadmaps outline six priority themes which define the regulator’s focus moving forward, with the intention of highlighting areas where “the wider evidence ecosystem can contribute and add value.”
“Where does the evidence on gambling need to go further?” asked the Commission in its latest release. “That’s the question we set out to answer by engaging a wide cross-section of stakeholders from across the gambling ecosystem.”
“By bringing together these perspectives with our own analysis, alongside a thorough review of existing research, we’ve identified areas where the evidence base needs to be strengthened most.”
The six themes are: early gambling experiences and gateway products, the range and variability of gambling experiences, gambling-related harm and vulnerability, the impact of operator practices, product characteristics and risk, and illegal gambling and crime.
“We are keen to conduct and encourage research that meets best practice recommendations, but – where possible – we do not want to be prescriptive about methodologies in a way that stifles innovative approaches and prevents researchers from utilising their expertise to determine the most appropriate way to carry out the research.”
Originally published on Coinslot on June 8, 2026. Republished with permission.