Gambling Commission Sets Tone for Change and Collaboration at BGC AGM 2026

2026, Tim Miller, Executive Director of Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission, delivered a keynote address outlining the regulator’s priorities during a period of significant industry change. 

Miller’s speech opened with reflections on recent leadership changes within the Commission following the decision of Chief Executive Andrew Rhodes to step down this spring. While acknowledging the uncertainty that such transitions can bring, Miller stressed that the regulator’s core mission - to make gambling “safer, fairer and crime free” - remains unchanged. 

A central theme of Miller’s address was the ongoing challenge posed by the illegal gambling market. The Gambling Commission, supported by an additional £26 million funding boost from the UK Government, is intensifying efforts to tackle unlicensed operators and protect consumers from harm. Importantly, Miller highlighted that suppressing illegal gambling will require broad collaboration beyond regulators and operators, calling on tech platforms, finance firms and affiliates to play an active role in curbing illegal activity that often targets the most vulnerable. 

Miller also addressed the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) consultation on Commission fees, noting that a revised fee structure is necessary given the increased complexity of regulatory and licensing work since the last review five years ago. He encouraged industry stakeholders to engage with the consultation, explaining that adequate fee income is vital to sustain enforcement, compliance and licensing operations. 

Looking ahead, the Commission is preparing to evaluate the impact of recent Gambling Act reforms and emphasised the importance of regulatory stability, allowing new rules time to “bed in” before further major changes are pursued. Miller underlined that innovation, when aligned firmly with licensing objectives, can both enhance consumer experience and support efforts to retain players within the regulated market. 

In a nod to emerging payment trends, Miller confirmed the Commission has begun exploratory work around the potential use of cryptoassets as a legitimate payment option for licensed gambling in Great Britain. He stressed that any future approach must be aligned with consumer protection goals and consistent with regulatory standards. 

Miller’s speech closed on a clear message of continued partnership between the regulator, government and industry. “We still want compliance at the earliest opportunity,” he said, emphasising that a collaborative, strategic approach will be essential in combating illegal gambling and supporting a vibrant, safe regulated market. 

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26 February 2026

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