OSR recommends sweeping changes to the UK Gambling Survey
The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) is set for a significant transformation after the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) published its . The Gambling Commission, which oversees the GSGB, had called for this independent evaluation to ensure the survey��s data remains robust, transparent, and genuinely useful for all stakeholders. With nine official recommendations now on the table, the GSGB is on the cusp of a new era.
Why the UK Gambling Survey is getting attention
The GSGB is the largest survey of its kind worldwide, collecting data on gambling behaviours, participation, and potential harms across Great Britain. After years of development and a major relaunch in 2024, the survey has become the backbone of gambling statistics in the UK.
However, as the landscape around gambling continues to evolve, so do expectations for how data should be gathered and communicated.
Recognising this, the Gambling Commission asked the OSR to conduct a compliance review. The OSR��s report , stating, ��The Gambling Commission has undertaken a huge amount of work in developing and delivering the GSGB, and we commend the efforts and commitment of the team.��
However, the OSR also made it clear that ��significantly more work is needed to address the recommendations made by Professor Sturgis, and to better support the appropriate use of these statistics by better understanding, and more effectively communicating, the uncertainty of the GSGB estimates��.
The nine recommendations at a glance
The Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR) has laid out nine steps it wants the Gambling Commission to take in order to strengthen the Gambling Survey. These suggestions focus on improving data quality, openness, and how well the survey serves the people who use it:
1. Put together a clear improvement plan
Lay out a detailed roadmap for applying the changes proposed by Professor Sturgis to improve how the GSGB works.
2. Tighten up data checks and quality controls
Review and bolster the systems used to test the accuracy and reliability of the survey data.
3. Be transparent about biases
Flag any known or possible biases in the survey and explain how they could affect the results.
4. Cross-check with other data sets
Compare the GSGB’s findings with other established data sources like the Health Survey for England and the Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey to help put the numbers in context.
5. Create a plan to engage with users
Develop a proper approach for listening to the people who use the data, so their needs are better understood and reflected.
6. Stay open to feedback and scrutiny
Welcome input from outside voices, even criticism, to build trust and improve how the survey is run.
7. Widen the circle of stakeholders
Collaborate with a broader mix of organisations, including others who produce official statistics.
8. Set out a communication plan
Spell out how the survey��s updates and results will be shared, both with stakeholders and the general public.
9. Make the data easier to use
Present the survey��s findings in a clearer, more user-friendly way, so they��re accessible to everyone, not just experts.
Industry response and what happens next
The recommendations come at a time when the GSGB��s methodology has already been under scrutiny from industry groups.
Ben Haden, Director of Research and Statistics at the Gambling Commission, responded positively to the review: ��We welcome the findings from OSR, both the public statement regarding casework they have received in relation to GSGB and their overall review of the GSGB. We are pleased they recognise the huge amount of work that the team has put into developing and delivering the largest survey of its kind in the world. We also welcome OSR��s recommendations for further action, which closely align with work that we already have underway��.
While the GSGB currently lacks accredited official statistics status, the OSR has clarified that this does not detract from its reliability or quality. The Commission has already updated its guidance for users and launched a GSGB Statistics User Group, with 70 stakeholders expressing interest in joining. A full update on progress is expected by July 2025.
For those interested in the full details, the OSR��s comprehensive review and recommendations are available .
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