Gambling Commission’s Spring Conference a Great Success

_{CEO of the Gambling Commission reflected on the Spring Conference in Birmingham. (Image:} 

Andrew Rhodes, the CEO of the Gambling Commission, has spoken about the success of the recent Spring Conference at the ICC Birmingham.

Mr Rhodes said that through collaboration with their partners in industry, academia, and the third sector—both at home and abroad—the Gambling Commission can use research and the data it provides to ensure that the work they do is substantial, robust, and based on evidence.

He said: “Together, we can cooperate to ensure that consumers are protected and that gambling is safer, fairer, and crime-free for all.”

Surprise at Level of Granularity and Understanding 

The CEO said that it had been a huge event with 200-plus attendees. He said, “I think it's gone really well. The thing I've been really impressed by is the richness of insight and detail that we’ve seen in the different presentations, questions and in the discussion.

“People have been genuinely surprised with the level of granularity and understanding that the Gambling Commission have been able to deliver in the last few years.”

As the UK’s regulatory body, the Gambling Commission continues to refine its oversight of land-based and online casinos.

Reflecting on his position and the work of the Gambling Commission, Mr Rhodes said: “When I think back to 3 to 4 years ago, that was nowhere near as detailed a picture; it was much more partial. The conference today, with its discussion and attendees being able to talk to each other, showed how far we've come.”

Attendees from Academics to Regulators Brought Richness and Depth 

In discussing the commission's future work and areas of focus, Mr Rhodes said, "We've also had a sense of how far we've yet to go in some areas, but to have the sort of mixture of people we've had today in the room—including a series of international regulators—has brought real richness and depth to what we're able to do today.

“I'm really pleased with how it's gone and the hard work that everybody's put in. I think it has paid off in the quality of today's conference.”