Advisory Board for Safer Gambling to Close, Says UKGC

by Jamie Smith, 25 September 2025

The Gambling Commission says the Advisory Board for Safer Gambling has fulfilled its original remit and will be closed down.

The Advisory Board for Safer Gambling is shutting down. © stevepb, Pixabay

Key Facts:

• ABSG was set up in order to provide oversight and challenge in relation to the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms
• With that strategy deemed complete, ABSG has no further use
• Its closure is the latest big reform by the UK regulator
• GambleAware is also in the process of being wound down

Usually referred to as ABSG for short, over recent years the organisation has contributed to a series of key developments in gambling regulation in the UK.

Among the success stories ABSG has achieved of late, including the establishment of gambling harms now being widely recognised across the UK as a public health issue.

The Gambling Commission (UKGC) also pointed out how ABSG helped to make sure that the voices of people who have lived experience of gambling-related harms have been included in policy and regulation via the launch of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel.

While some may feel the ABSG had more work to do, a statement from UKGC argued that it is the right time to wind down the organisation. Work will begin to set up a new expert group – funded by research – to support the growing role of studies made possible through levy funding.

Right Time to Close ABSG

Although the move will likely face criticism from some quarters as gambling reform in the UK continues to gather pace, the Gambling Commission sought to head off any attacks.

According to the regulator’s chief executive of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, ABSG has played “an important role” in shaping how people in the UK think about gambling harms.

He said in a statement released by UKGC: “I want to thank all current and former members for their contribution and commitment.

“As we move into a new phase with the implementation of research programmes funded by the statutory levy, our priority is to ensure we have the right expert input to help inform our work.”

UKGC is entering a crucial period as the regulator oversees payments of the new statutory gambling levy, which the Labour government has introduced.

Rhodes added: “This is the right time to close ABSG and establish new arrangements that reflect the future needs of our gambling regulation and research.”

Huge Contribution

Efforts made by ABSG in recent times have also been recognised by Helen Child, the UKGC head of governance.

She said in a statement: “ABSG have made a huge contribution to gambling regulation and the Commission. I am grateful for the insight, engagement and challenge each and every member has provided.”

ABSG being closed down comes shortly after it was confirmed GambleAware is also being shuttered, directly as a result of the new statutory levy.

The body, which was funded by voluntary contributions from gambling companies, will cease operations in the first half of 2026.

It was announced that its roles and duties are set to be absorbed by the government.