PFD report

Oliver Anderson Long · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 14 Jan 2026•East Sussex

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
5

Raised in this report

Recipients
4

Named on the report

Responses found
4

Of 4 recipients

Stated actions
25

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

Open published report

Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised5

  1. Failure of consumers to check gambling-site licensing before access
  2. Failure of the self-exclusion scheme to cover overseas unlicensed gambling sites
  3. Lack of consumer awareness when accessing unlicensed gambling sites
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.4

  1. Action

    Strengthen protections for people at risk through new safer-gambling requirements.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  2. Action

    Raise awareness of harmful-gambling risks and support behaviour change through national campaigns.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  3. Action

    Consider including warnings about unlicensed gambling-site risks in public-health messaging.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.5

  1. Position

    DCMS, as lead department for gambling policy and regulation, will lead and submit the cross-agency response on behalf of the named organisations.

    Stated by Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure of consumers to check gambling-site licensing before access

Wider context from the report

“Consumers are unlikely to check that a site is licenced prior to accessing it, particularly if the advert for the site is in a trusted space, such as on social media. The result is that people who are at risk of gambling-related harm in accessing these sites are not protected by features such as limit setting and slowing down of gains, and they may not be aware that these features are unlikely to be present on the site they are using. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure of the self-exclusion scheme to cover overseas unlicensed gambling sites

Wider context from the report

“I heard evidence from Ollie's family and the Gambling Commission in respect of the efficacy of the UK self-exclusion scheme, GamStop, which allows customers to bar themselves from all forms of legal and licenced online betting. This scheme, however, does not capture overseas unlicensed sites and people who have self-excluded (as Ollie did) may be able to access these sites or are being deliberately targeted by them. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of consumer awareness when accessing unlicensed gambling sites

Wider context from the report

“Additionally, I heard evidence that consumers may not be aware that they have accessed an unlicensed site and in doing so have moved outside of the realm of the regulated area. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of adequate public health information and warnings about unlicensed gambling-site risks

Wider context from the report

“There is, in my view, a lack of adequate public health information and warning relating to the risks posed by unlicenced gambling sites. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Absence of gambling-harm protection features on unlicensed sites

Wider context from the report

“Consumers are unlikely to check that a site is licenced prior to accessing it, particularly if the advert for the site is in a trusted space, such as on social media. The result is that people who are at risk of gambling-related harm in accessing these sites are not protected by features such as limit setting and slowing down of gains, and they may not be aware that these features are unlikely to be present on the site they are using. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Unreliable identification and support for gambling-related harm.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Strengthen protections for people at risk through new safer-gambling requirements.

Verbatim wording from the response

“23. The Government remains committed to tackling gambling-related harms. Working with the Gambling Commission, DCMS is committed to strengthening protections for those at risk through a range of new safer gambling requirements. DCMS and the other CGDs will continue to review the best available evidence to inform our decisions on how best to fulfil our commitment to tackle gambling-related harm.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 4 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Raise awareness of harmful-gambling risks and support behaviour change through national campaigns.

Verbatim wording from the response

“19. The levy also provides the opportunity to build the evidence for effective campaigns to tackle gambling-related harms. As part of their ongoing work, OHID intends to raise awareness of the risks of harmful gambling and support behaviour change through national campaigns. As per the 2023 white paper commitment, OHID also continues to work with DCMS and the Gambling Commission to strengthen informational messaging, including on the risks associated with gambling, with a view to replacing the current narrative based around ‘individual responsibility’. OHID will consider how best to include health information and warnings relating to the risks posed by unlicensed gambling sites, as part of this workstream. Further information will be shared on this as work progresses.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Consider including warnings about unlicensed gambling-site risks in public-health messaging.

Verbatim wording from the response

“19. The levy also provides the opportunity to build the evidence for effective campaigns to tackle gambling-related harms. As part of their ongoing work, OHID intends to raise awareness of the risks of harmful gambling and support behaviour change through national campaigns. As per the 2023 white paper commitment, OHID also continues to work with DCMS and the Gambling Commission to strengthen informational messaging, including on the risks associated with gambling, with a view to replacing the current narrative based around ‘individual responsibility’. OHID will consider how best to include health information and warnings relating to the risks posed by unlicensed gambling sites, as part of this workstream. Further information will be shared on this as work progresses.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Strengthen informational messaging about gambling risks through continued cross-departmental and regulatory work.

Verbatim wording from the response

“19. The levy also provides the opportunity to build the evidence for effective campaigns to tackle gambling-related harms. As part of their ongoing work, OHID intends to raise awareness of the risks of harmful gambling and support behaviour change through national campaigns. As per the 2023 white paper commitment, OHID also continues to work with DCMS and the Gambling Commission to strengthen informational messaging, including on the risks associated with gambling, with a view to replacing the current narrative based around ‘individual responsibility’. OHID will consider how best to include health information and warnings relating to the risks posed by unlicensed gambling sites, as part of this workstream. Further information will be shared on this as work progresses.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

DCMS, as lead department for gambling policy and regulation, will lead and submit the cross-agency response on behalf of the named organisations.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In relation to the matters of concern set out in your report, DCMS, as the lead government department responsible for gambling policy and regulation, is leading the development of a single cross-agency response, working collaboratively with relevant policy officials across the named organisations. DHSC fully supports this approach and is actively contributing to the response, particularly in respect of public health considerations.”

Source location

Response from Department of Health and Social Care
Page 1 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

The organisations identified in the report may be best placed to provide a comprehensive response and address the concerns.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Officials within the Department for Education have undertaken a review of the report and fully recognise the importance of the issues you have raised. Following this consideration, we have concluded that responsibility for these matters lies outside the remit of this Department. The organisations identified within the report may be best placed to provide you with a full and comprehensive response, and we trust they will be able to address your concerns appropriately.”

Source location

Response from Department for Education
Page 1 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Responsibility for the matters raised lies outside the Department’s remit, so it will not undertake responsive safety work.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Officials within the Department for Education have undertaken a review of the report and fully recognise the importance of the issues you have raised. Following this consideration, we have concluded that responsibility for these matters lies outside the remit of this Department. The organisations identified within the report may be best placed to provide you with a full and comprehensive response, and we trust they will be able to address your concerns appropriately.”

Source location

Response from Department for Education
Page 1 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Public health information campaigns fall outside the Commission’s remit, so it cannot implement the proposed action.

Verbatim wording from the response

“9. We agree that it is important for consumers to understand the risks that could be posed by sites, often based overseas, that are not licensed here in Britain. Such sites do not meet the same consumer protection standards that are required by domestic gambling operators licensed by the Commission. While this is important area, the Commission is not a public health body and does not have the statutory powers to design or deliver public health information or awareness campaigns. It is our view that responsibility for such action rests with the other recipients of the Report.”

Source location

Response from Gambling Commission
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Responsibility for developing and deciding whether to run unlicensed-gambling risk campaigns rests with the relevant Government department.

Verbatim wording from the response

“12. Any decision to run a campaign, and its content, would need to be informed by an assessment of both the nature and scale of the risk posed by unlicensed sites, and whether, on balance, the benefits favour proceeding. By way of illustration, some consumers who access unlicensed sites do so deliberately because they are unlicensed and do not have the protections afforded by licensed sites. A public information campaign could have the unintended consequence of giving publicity to the existence of gambling sites which consumers who are self-excluded can access, and so may exacerbate the very problem it is designed to solve. These are matters which would need to be carefully weighed by the Government department responsible for the campaign.”

Source location

Response from Gambling Commission
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.21

  1. 1

    Contribute public health considerations to the development of a single cross-agency response on gambling-related harms.

    Stated by Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  2. 2

    Introduce the statutory gambling levy to fund research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  3. 3

    Fund upper-tier local authorities to deliver gambling-harm prevention activity from 2026/27.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  4. 4

    Introduce £5 online slot stake limits for adults aged 25 and over.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  5. 5

    Publish revised statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance covering online gambling and gambling-like gaming content.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  6. 6

    Launch a cross-stakeholder Illegal Gambling Taskforce addressing illegal-gambling advertising, payments, collaboration and enforcement.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  7. 7

    Provide the Gambling Commission with an additional £26 million over three years to tackle illegal gambling.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  8. 8

    Fund local prevention pilots, including development of a media-campaigns toolkit, and national symposiums for local authorities.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  9. 9

    Evaluate successful prevention grant activity over two years to inform longer-term policy decisions.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  10. 10

    Increase investment, resources and capacity to tackle illegal gambling.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  11. 11

    Build evidence from voluntary-sector and local-authority prevention work to inform education and support materials.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  12. 12

    Use a test-and-learn approach to assess effective gambling-harm prevention interventions.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  13. 13

    Make revised Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance statutory from 1 September 2026.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  14. 14

    Launch grants for voluntary and community organisations to deliver gambling-harm prevention activity.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  15. 15

    Continue reviewing available evidence to inform decisions on tackling gambling-related harm.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  16. 16

    Work across government and with industry to protect vulnerable people from harms associated with unlicensed gambling websites.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  17. 17

    Research the size of and consumer motivations for participation in the online unlicensed gambling market.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  18. 18

    Develop an evidence-based, coordinated public-health approach to preventing gambling-related harm.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  19. 19

    Work with levy commissioners to maximise the impact of dedicated gambling-harm funding.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  20. 20

    Develop and strengthen methodologies for understanding gambling-related harms through Commission research.

    Stated by Gambling CommissionStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.
  21. 21

    Collaborate with regulators, public health bodies, third-sector organisations and businesses to reduce gambling-related harms.

    Stated by Gambling CommissionStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 21 January 2026.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.1

  1. 1

    Levy commissioners, including OHID, are considered best placed to maximise dedicated funding for gambling-harm research, prevention and treatment.

    Stated by Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and Department for Education and Department of Health and Social CareRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Contribute public health considerations to the development of a single cross-agency response on gambling-related harms.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In relation to the matters of concern set out in your report, DCMS, as the lead government department responsible for gambling policy and regulation, is leading the development of a single cross-agency response, working collaboratively with relevant policy officials across the named organisations. DHSC fully supports this approach and is actively contributing to the response, particularly in respect of public health considerations.”

Source location

Response from Department of Health and Social Care
Page 1 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Introduce the statutory gambling levy to fund research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.

Verbatim wording from the response

“7. A number of the proposals in the white paper relate to the protection of those who gamble online, which are being introduced in addition to the measures outlined below in relation to your concerns. For example, in April 2025, the Government introduced online slot stake limits of £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over. The Government has also introduced the statutory levy on gambling operators, which will raise upwards of £100 million annually to see increased, independent and sustainable funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Fund upper-tier local authorities to deliver gambling-harm prevention activity from 2026/27.

Verbatim wording from the response

“18. Additionally, OHID plans to fund upper tier local authorities from financial year 2026/27 to deliver on prevention related activity for gambling-related harm, which will include understanding the local need and working to ensure there is a holistic approach to gambling harms prevention. A number of pilot projects have been funded in quarter four of financial year 2025/26, including the development of a media campaigns toolkit which will be a helpful resource for local areas going forward. OHID have also funded 2 national symposiums for local authorities to share knowledge of best practice for gambling harm prevention.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Introduce £5 online slot stake limits for adults aged 25 and over.

Verbatim wording from the response

“7. A number of the proposals in the white paper relate to the protection of those who gamble online, which are being introduced in addition to the measures outlined below in relation to your concerns. For example, in April 2025, the Government introduced online slot stake limits of £5 per spin for adults aged 25 and over. The Government has also introduced the statutory levy on gambling operators, which will raise upwards of £100 million annually to see increased, independent and sustainable funding for research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Publish revised statutory Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance covering online gambling and gambling-like gaming content.

Verbatim wording from the response

“20. Within schools, statutory ‘Relationships, Sex and Health Education’ supports children and young people to manage risk and make informed decisions in relation to their mental wellbeing and online behaviour.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Launch a cross-stakeholder Illegal Gambling Taskforce addressing illegal-gambling advertising, payments, collaboration and enforcement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“13. DCMS also launched the Illegal Gambling Taskforce in January 2026, which brings together a wide range of stakeholders to take action against the illegal market. It will focus on 3 main areas:”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Provide the Gambling Commission with an additional £26 million over three years to tackle illegal gambling.

Verbatim wording from the response

“11. As part of its 2024 to 2027 Corporate Strategy, the Gambling Commission has committed to increase investment, resource, and capacity to tackle illegal gambling, and the Government has committed to provide the Gambling Commission with an additional £26 million over the next 3 years to do so. The Gambling Commission has conducted research to improve its evidence base around the unlicensed gambling market, using web traffic data and gambling behaviour data to estimate the size of the online unlicensed market and qualitative research to understand consumer motivations for participation in illegal gambling.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Fund local prevention pilots, including development of a media-campaigns toolkit, and national symposiums for local authorities.

Verbatim wording from the response

“18. Additionally, OHID plans to fund upper tier local authorities from financial year 2026/27 to deliver on prevention related activity for gambling-related harm, which will include understanding the local need and working to ensure there is a holistic approach to gambling harms prevention. A number of pilot projects have been funded in quarter four of financial year 2025/26, including the development of a media campaigns toolkit which will be a helpful resource for local areas going forward. OHID have also funded 2 national symposiums for local authorities to share knowledge of best practice for gambling harm prevention.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Evaluate successful prevention grant activity over two years to inform longer-term policy decisions.

Verbatim wording from the response

“17. In January 2026, OHID launched the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sector Gambling Harms Prevention Grant Fund for organisations wishing to deliver prevention activity to support people at risk of gambling related harm, which may include activity to deliver public health campaigns in different localities. OHID will evaluate the impact of successful bids over the course of the next 2 years to inform longer term policy decisions around effective harm prevention measures.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Increase investment, resources and capacity to tackle illegal gambling.

Verbatim wording from the response

“11. As part of its 2024 to 2027 Corporate Strategy, the Gambling Commission has committed to increase investment, resource, and capacity to tackle illegal gambling, and the Government has committed to provide the Gambling Commission with an additional £26 million over the next 3 years to do so. The Gambling Commission has conducted research to improve its evidence base around the unlicensed gambling market, using web traffic data and gambling behaviour data to estimate the size of the online unlicensed market and qualitative research to understand consumer motivations for participation in illegal gambling.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Build evidence from voluntary-sector and local-authority prevention work to inform education and support materials.

Verbatim wording from the response

“22. The Government recognises the need to be at the forefront of emerging risks for children and young people as the gambling landscape evolves. To inform the approach to education and support materials, OHID is working to build the evidence based upon the outcomes of the prevention work currently underway across the voluntary sector and planned for local authorities.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 4 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Use a test-and-learn approach to assess effective gambling-harm prevention interventions.

Verbatim wording from the response

“16. Given this is a new programme of activity, OHID will employ a ‘test and learn’ approach to better understand what interventions are most effective in preventing gambling harms at a local, regional and national level.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Make revised Relationships, Sex and Health Education guidance statutory from 1 September 2026.

Verbatim wording from the response

“21. DfE published revised Relationships, Sex and Health Education statutory guidance on 15 July 2025, which sets out a comprehensive and age-appropriate curriculum for all pupils in England. The revised guidance will become statutory on 1 September 2026, replacing the existing guidance which had been in force since 2020. Curriculum content to be covered by the end of secondary education includes: the risks related to online gambling and gambling-like content”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Launch grants for voluntary and community organisations to deliver gambling-harm prevention activity.

Verbatim wording from the response

“17. In January 2026, OHID launched the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise sector Gambling Harms Prevention Grant Fund for organisations wishing to deliver prevention activity to support people at risk of gambling related harm, which may include activity to deliver public health campaigns in different localities. OHID will evaluate the impact of successful bids over the course of the next 2 years to inform longer term policy decisions around effective harm prevention measures.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Continue reviewing available evidence to inform decisions on tackling gambling-related harm.

Verbatim wording from the response

“23. The Government remains committed to tackling gambling-related harms. Working with the Gambling Commission, DCMS is committed to strengthening protections for those at risk through a range of new safer gambling requirements. DCMS and the other CGDs will continue to review the best available evidence to inform our decisions on how best to fulfil our commitment to tackle gambling-related harm.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 4 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Work across government and with industry to protect vulnerable people from harms associated with unlicensed gambling websites.

Verbatim wording from the response

“14. DCMS recognises that more work needs to be done to ensure that gambling advertising does not exacerbate harm and is working closely, across Government and with industry, to ensure everyone, including the most vulnerable, are protected from the potential harms associated with unlicensed websites.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Research the size of and consumer motivations for participation in the online unlicensed gambling market.

Verbatim wording from the response

“11. As part of its 2024 to 2027 Corporate Strategy, the Gambling Commission has committed to increase investment, resource, and capacity to tackle illegal gambling, and the Government has committed to provide the Gambling Commission with an additional £26 million over the next 3 years to do so. The Gambling Commission has conducted research to improve its evidence base around the unlicensed gambling market, using web traffic data and gambling behaviour data to estimate the size of the online unlicensed market and qualitative research to understand consumer motivations for participation in illegal gambling.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop an evidence-based, coordinated public-health approach to preventing gambling-related harm.

Verbatim wording from the response

“15. In April 2025, the statutory levy on gambling operators came into effect, under which the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) is the commissioner for the prevention of gambling-related harm in England, working alongside Public Health Scotland and Public Health Wales. OHID is working at pace to develop an effective and co-ordinated public health approach to gambling harm prevention which is evidence-based and has real impact.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 3 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Work with levy commissioners to maximise the impact of dedicated gambling-harm funding.

Verbatim wording from the response

“24. DCMS recognises the unique opportunity presented by the introduction of the statutory gambling levy to build an independent, robust approach to the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm that is rooted in the principles of public health. DCMS has confidence that the commissioners under the levy, including OHID, are best placed to maximise the impact of the dedicated funding made available to them, and will continue to work together to ensure this.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 4 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Develop and strengthen methodologies for understanding gambling-related harms through Commission research.

Verbatim wording from the response

“7. The Commission also works with a wide range of other regulators, public health bodies, the third sector and businesses to reduce gambling related harms. The Commission currently has two independent expert advisory groups, who provide independent advice to support the development of our regulatory approach. These are the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) and the Digital Advisory Panel (DAP). Further, the Commission is continuously developing and strengthening methodologies to understand gambling harms through its own research.”

Source location

Response from Gambling Commission
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent action was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Collaborate with regulators, public health bodies, third-sector organisations and businesses to reduce gambling-related harms.

Verbatim wording from the response

“7. The Commission also works with a wide range of other regulators, public health bodies, the third sector and businesses to reduce gambling related harms. The Commission currently has two independent expert advisory groups, who provide independent advice to support the development of our regulatory approach. These are the Lived Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) and the Digital Advisory Panel (DAP). Further, the Commission is continuously developing and strengthening methodologies to understand gambling harms through its own research.”

Source location

Response from Gambling Commission
Page 2 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response

Source evidence

How this respondent position was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Levy commissioners, including OHID, are considered best placed to maximise dedicated funding for gambling-harm research, prevention and treatment.

Verbatim wording from the response

“24. DCMS recognises the unique opportunity presented by the introduction of the statutory gambling levy to build an independent, robust approach to the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm that is rooted in the principles of public health. DCMS has confidence that the commissioners under the levy, including OHID, are best placed to maximise the impact of the dedicated funding made available to them, and will continue to work together to ensure this.”

Source location

Response from Department of Culture Media and Sport
Page 4 · response
Published 21 January 2026

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026