On 18 May 2020, the Gambling Commission announced planned changes to its Regulatory Panel, which included: (1) the recruitment and appointment of legally-qualified Adjudicators, solely for the purpose of sitting on the Regulatory Panel with the “presumption” they will also provide legal advice; and (2) reconstituting quorum as follows: (a) operating licences: one Commissioner and one Adjudicator; and (b) personal licences: one Adjudicator.

In our blog on 28 May 2020 we expressed our serious concerns on the proposed reforms, which do not offer a practical vision for adjudication that is consistent with good regulatory and legal practice.  The only consideration appears to be about saving cost, time for the Gambling Commission and Commissioners, and speeding up the process.  In doing so, the duty to act fairly has been sacrificed.

We have, today, submitted our response to the Gambling Commission in advance of the deadline tomorrow.

We strongly encourage other industry stakeholders to respond to the consultation. If you would find it helpful, please feel free to download and use our consultation response.