Ian Angus Outlines Key Gambling Data and Regulatory Priorities at Lotteries Council Event

Director of Policy Ian Angus addressed attendees at the Lotteries Council Annual Conference with details from the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain, where adult participation held steady at 48 percent while the sector posted a record Gross Gambling Yield of £16.8 billion for 2024/25. Society lotteries alone contributed more than £1 billion to that total and directed £484.6 million toward good causes, figures that emerged directly from regulatory returns and survey responses collected across the year.

The presentation moved through participation trends before shifting to the Gambling Commission's 2026/27 business plan, which sets out priorities for enforcement, consumer protection, and operator oversight. Angus described how the commission intends to build on recent enforcement activity, including a rise in disruptions targeting illegal gambling operations, while maintaining regular contact with society lottery operators to ensure compliance and support their fundraising role.

Survey Data Shows Consistent Participation Levels

According to the Gambling Survey for Great Britain statistics shared during the speech, adult participation rates remained unchanged from previous periods at 48 percent, a level that covers both online and land-based activities across Great Britain. The same dataset placed the overall Gross Gambling Yield at £16.8 billion for 2024/25, marking the highest figure recorded since the commission began tracking this metric. Society lotteries formed a substantial portion of that yield, exceeding £1 billion and channeling £484.6 million into designated good causes as reported in their annual returns.

These numbers arrived through a combination of operator submissions and the commission's consumer survey methodology, which samples thousands of adults each year to capture participation patterns. Observers note that the stability in participation coincides with continued growth in yield, suggesting shifts in spending behavior among those who already gamble rather than an expansion in the overall player base.

Business Plan Sets Direction for 2026/27

Angus outlined the Gambling Commission's 2026/27 business plan priorities, which include strengthened enforcement against illegal operators, enhanced data analysis for risk identification, and continued work with licensed sectors on consumer protection measures. The plan also emphasizes collaboration with society lotteries, recognizing their distinct operating model and charitable contribution. Those priorities build on existing frameworks while preparing for regulatory adjustments expected over the coming year.

Implementation timelines within the plan call for quarterly progress reviews, with particular attention to disruption metrics and operator compliance rates. The commission's approach integrates feedback from industry bodies such as the Lotteries Council, ensuring that enforcement actions align with operational realities faced by legitimate operators.

Focus on Illegal Gambling and Enforcement Actions

Efforts to tackle illegal gambling featured prominently, with Angus reporting increased disruptions of unlicensed sites and payment processing networks. The commission has expanded its use of blocking measures and intelligence sharing with financial institutions, resulting in higher numbers of interventions compared with earlier periods. These actions target operators that bypass licensing requirements and often market directly to UK consumers despite lacking authorization.

Data collected through the commission's monitoring systems shows that illegal gambling remains a persistent challenge, particularly in online spaces where new sites can appear rapidly. The 2026/27 plan allocates additional resources to these areas, including specialized teams that coordinate with international partners on cross-border cases. Society lottery operators have been encouraged to report suspicious activity they encounter, strengthening the overall intelligence picture.

Ongoing Collaboration with Society Lottery Operators

Regular engagement with society lotteries continues as a core element of the commission's work, according to the speech. Angus highlighted joint initiatives on responsible marketing, player fund protection, and transparent reporting of proceeds allocated to good causes. These discussions occur through scheduled meetings and working groups that address both immediate compliance issues and longer-term sector development.

Operators have provided input on practical challenges such as prize structure adjustments and digital platform upgrades, which the commission incorporates into its guidance documents. The £484.6 million raised for good causes in 2024/25 underscores the sector's contribution, and the commission's approach aims to sustain this while maintaining regulatory standards across all licensed activities.

Conclusion

The speech delivered by Ian Angus at the Lotteries Council Annual Conference presented a clear snapshot of current gambling sector data alongside the Gambling Commission's forward-looking priorities. Stable participation at 48 percent, record Gross Gambling Yield of £16.8 billion, and the specific contributions from society lotteries form the factual foundation, while enforcement against illegal gambling and continued operator collaboration define the operational focus for 2026/27. Those attending received direct updates on how regulatory resources will be directed in the coming period, with measurable targets tied to disruption counts and compliance outcomes. The information aligns with publicly available statistics from the Gambling Commission and reflects the ongoing regulatory environment as of May 2026.