Gambling policy reform in the UK from a public health perspective

Policy changes have rendered the UK one of the most liberalised gambling markets globally. Concomitantly, gambling-related harms are receiving greater recognition. Gambling regulation is high on the public and political agenda, and the UK Government has committed to review the Gambling Act 2005. However, analysis of how gambling policy is formed, who is involved, how this process is influenced, and whose problem definition and solutions are adopted, and with what consequences, is lacking. The research aims to provide an analysis of emergent UK gambling policies using a mixed methods approach including stakeholder interviews, documentary analysis and case studies.

The knowledge generated from the programme of research was intended to support public health practice and advocacy. During the fellowship, the research contributed to building a counter discourse to the prevailing industry-favourable discourse that problematises and stigmatises people and their so-called “problem gambling”. The insights gained through the research were used to support the work of public health teams in local authorities as well as civil society organisations led by experts by experience, and teams working in Public Health England / Office for Health and Disparities and the Department for Health and Social Care. The work was presented at international research conferences, webinars and symposia and led to the publication of three primary research papers as well as analyses, perspective pieces, editorials, and opinion pieces.

Oxford University