The development of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) has received a significant endorsement from Professor Patrick Sturgis of the London School of Economics, marking a crucial step towards the production of reliable and comprehensive gambling statistics for the nation.

GSGB Receives Acclaim for Methodological Excellence and Innovative Approach

The independent assessment, released on February 19, lauded the GSGB’s methodological approach, describing it as “exemplary in all respects.” Professor Sturgis, while acknowledging the importance of the survey’s development, also offered several recommendations aimed at addressing key unresolved issues.

The GSGB represents a departure from previous methodologies, transitioning from quarterly telephone interviews to a ‘push-to-web’ survey focused solely on gambling activities. This shift, according to Sturgis, allows for a considerably larger sample size, with an anticipated 20,000 annual responses compared to the previous 4,000.

In his evaluation, Sturgis highlighted the success of the pilot study conducted by the UK Gambling Commission in January and February 2022, which yielded 1,078 responses. The survey’s response rate of 21% was deemed comparable to similar ‘push-to-web’ surveys conducted in the UK, indicating its feasibility and potential for accurate population estimates.

“The move to self-completion was the correct decision,” stated Sturgis, emphasizing the necessity of adapting survey methodologies to address declining response rates and the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. He commended the UK Gambling Commission for consulting widely with stakeholders and adhering to industry standards in developing the GSGB.

UKGC Embraces Sturgis’s Recommendations for Improved Gambling Data

Despite endorsing the survey’s development, Sturgis outlined seven recommendations for the UK Gambling Commission to address remaining unresolved issues. These recommendations include conducting research to understand survey response biases, evaluating question biases for online respondents, and exploring opportunities to benchmark GSGB estimates against face-to-face interviews in the future.

Tim Miller, executive director of the UK Gambling Commission, welcomed Sturgis’s recommendations, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to leveraging better data for improved regulation and outcomes. Miller emphasized the importance of understanding the impact of changes to the survey design and methodology, signaling a commitment to ongoing evolution and improvement.

The endorsement of the GSGB marks a significant milestone in the quest for more accurate and comprehensive gambling statistics in the UK.

The UK Gambling Commission aims to enhance gambling regulations by improving data collection methodologies, believing that better data leads to better regulation and outcomes.

Through extensive consultations and collaboration with stakeholders, including the government and academic experts, the Commission made significant progress in developing the GSGB, to produce reliable statistics to inform policymaking and ensure effective regulation of the gambling sector.

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In a pivotal development, Hilary Stewart-Jones, a seasoned solicitor with over three decades of experience, has been appointed an advisor to the Curaçao Gaming Control Board (GCB). Her extensive legal background and expertise make her an invaluable addition as Curaçao embarks on a landmark transformation of its gambling regulations, signaling a momentous shift for the jurisdiction.

Stewart-Jones Has a Long History of Success

The new GCB Advisor has built a distinguished career in the legal and gambling sectors, holding prominent positions throughout her professional journey. Her impressive résumé includes non-executive director positions at renowned organizations like Ladbrokes and Paysafe Group. Stewart-Jones now works as an independent consultant at prestigious gambling law firm Harris Hagan and serves as Chair and CEO of Skywind Group, a leading gaming industry software provider.

Stewart-Jones’ legal career bears the unique distinction of a star in the gambling category, making her the only practitioner to earn such a prestigious award. Her peers regard her as a first-class lawyer with gaming in her blood, making her the perfect fit for the new position. Stewart-Jones was excited to join the GCB, aiding the regulator during such a pivotal moment in its history.

It’s an honor to be part of the monumental change that is the revitalizing of Curaçao as a world-class player in the global gambling arena.

Hilary Stewart-Jones

The GCB will fully employ Stewart-Jones’ talents, leveraging her risk and compliance expertise to navigate rising challenges. The Board’s newest Advisor continues to advise brick-and-mortar businesses like tracks and casinos. However, her core strengths lie within the online sector, where she has overseen most of the floats/acquisitions since 2000.

This Appointment Marks a Significant Milestone

Curaçao is currently undergoing a comprehensive restructuring of its gambling regulations. This ambitious undertaking signifies a substantial departure from the existing regulatory framework and aims to modernize the jurisdiction’s approach to gambling. As the nation transitions into this new era, it faces the task of implementing the National Ordinance for Games of Chance (LOK).

The present phase represents a transition period as Curaçao prepares to enforce the LOK. During this time, organizations seeking to operate within Curaçao must submit their applications through the GCB’s dedicated portal, which officially opened on 1 September. As the transition period ends, the GCB will pass its responsibilities to the Curaçao Gaming Authority, the country’s new regulatory body. 

As Curaçao navigates this significant regulatory evolution, stakeholders are eager to see how these changes will impact the gambling landscape in the jurisdiction and beyond. Hilary Stewart-Jones’ appointment is a promising sign, indicating the Board’s determination to ensure a seamless transition. Her wealth of experience will be instrumental in ushering in a more contemporary and efficient approach to the gambling industry.

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