The Gambling Commission was established under the Gambling Act 2005 to oversee commercial gambling in Great Britain, collaborating with licensing authorities. Its primary role is to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the industry.
On 1 October 2013, the Gambling Commission expanded its responsibilities by taking over the regulation of the National Lottery from the National Lottery Commission, as mandated by the National Lottery etc Act 1993. This added a significant dimension to its regulatory functions.
As an independent non-departmental public body (NDPB), the Gambling Commission is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). The organisation employs over 250 staff, primarily based in Birmingham, with additional colleagues working remotely across England, Scotland, and Wales. Its operations are funded through fees set by the DCMS and contributions from licensed organisations, along with grants from the National Lottery Distribution Fund for its National Lottery duties.
