Tim Miller Calls for Clarity on Gambling Harm Data
In recent discussions surrounding gambling harm in Great Britain, Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Gambling Commission, has raised critical questions regarding the accuracy of data presented during a parliamentary health committee session earlier this year.
The session, held in April by the Health and Social Care Committee, featured testimony from researchers focusing on gambling-related issues. These experts advocated for stricter regulations on casino operations and advertising. Following this session, Miller voiced his concerns in a letter addressed to Layla Moran, the committee chair, which became publicly accessible on July 8.
In response to the committee’s recommendations for government action and a review of the Gambling Act, some industry representatives expressed skepticism regarding the session’s findings. Analyses by sector experts suggested that the statistics cited were potentially misleading, warranting a more nuanced examination.
Dan Waugh from Regulus Partners characterized the committee’s conclusions as “not well-informed,” indicating a reliance on perspectives from anti-gambling advocates without critical scrutiny.
Skepticism Over Source Credibility
Miller pointedly noted in his correspondence that several claims made by researchers lacked proper sourcing. For instance, Lucy Hubber, Director of Public Health Nottingham, claimed that a third of 11-to-16-year-olds were involved in land-based gambling. Sam Chamberlain, a psychiatry professor at the University of Southampton, asserted that 20% of youth had gambling problems in 2020. Meanwhile, Heather Wardle from the University of Glasgow equated skin betting among young people to the risks associated with online slots.
Miller emphasized that these assertions were presented without attributed sources, apart from vague local estimates.
Divergence with Commission Data
To underpin his critique, Miller cited the Gambling Commission’s 2024 Young People and Gambling report, which indicated that only 27% of 11-to-17-year-olds engaged in gambling in the last year, primarily through arcade games and informal betting with family. He argued that this evidence does not substantiate the claim that a third of young teens are engaged in land-based gambling activities.
Moreover, he highlighted that many young people typically gamble under parental supervision, with only a small percentage participating in online games without parental consent.
Proactive Measures by the Commission
Miller also outlined initiatives by the Gambling Commission aimed at safeguarding young individuals as part of ongoing reform discussions. New regulations now require land-based gambling operators to implement age verification tests, adjusting their guidelines to challenge anyone appearing under the age of 25.
The data from April 2023 to March 2024 revealed a commendable compliance rate of 94%, marking a consistent yearly improvement. However, Miller recognized that the journey toward adequate protection for young people continues.
Ongoing Commitment to Gambling Protection
In his letter, Miller reiterated the Commission’s commitment to preventing gambling harm among all demographics, particularly youth. He described the ongoing fight against illegal gambling sites that exploit children’s gaming platforms, such as Roblox, which had been co-opted for betting activities.
Since April 2024, the Commission has issued 1,150 notices against illegal operators and collaborates with major search engines to remove illicit content.
Concluding his correspondence, Miller reaffirmed the Gambling Commission’s mission to not just address youth gambling but to enhance protections for all consumers in the legal market. He underscored the dangers posed by illegal operators, who fail to provide the necessary safeguards, undercut lawful businesses, and neglect contributions towards prevention and treatment efforts related to gambling harm.