Gambling Regulator Outlines Enforcement Strategy and Sector Support at Gibraltar Summit

Executive Director for Operations Sue Young addressed attendees at the KPMG Gibraltar eSummit on 11 June 2026 with a detailed overview of the Gambling Commission's current focus areas, and her remarks centered on strengthening enforcement against illegal operators while advancing measured progress within the licensed market.

The speech, later published on 12 June, highlighted targeted actions backed by data from recent illegal gambling market research that extends through February 2026, and it positioned enforcement as a core priority alongside collaborative efforts with industry partners.

Strengthening Action Against Unlicensed Operators

Young explained how the regulator continues to direct resources toward disrupting illegal gambling activities that reach UK consumers, and she noted the value of intelligence-led operations combined with new legislative tools expected from the Crime and Policing Bill. These provisions aim to expand the Commission's ability to act swiftly against offshore sites and related payment facilitators that currently operate outside established licensing frameworks.

Partnerships with financial institutions and technology providers form another key element of the approach, allowing authorities to identify and block transactions linked to unlicensed platforms more effectively than before. Data shared during the address showed sustained monitoring of market trends, with figures indicating millions of visits to illegal sites despite existing consumer protection tools such as GamStop.

Balancing Enforcement with Licensed Sector Growth

While enforcement receives significant attention, Young also described ongoing support for innovation among properly licensed operators, and she stressed that regulatory frameworks should accommodate responsible technological developments without compromising player safeguards. This dual focus reflects the Commission's broader mandate to maintain a fair and transparent market that can adapt to emerging products and delivery methods.

Operational updates from the past year included progress on licensing reviews, compliance assessments, and consumer education initiatives, all of which contribute to a more resilient regulatory environment. Teams have processed numerous applications and conducted routine inspections that help identify both strengths and areas requiring improvement across different operator segments.

Advancing Financial Risk Assessment Work

Financial risk assessments remain an active workstream, with the Commission refining its expectations around how operators evaluate and mitigate risks related to customer affordability and spending patterns. Young outlined steps taken to integrate these assessments into routine compliance activities, noting that clearer guidance helps operators implement consistent standards while reducing potential harm.

These efforts build on earlier consultations and pilot programs, creating a more structured process that aligns with wider consumer protection objectives. Stakeholders receive regular briefings to ensure alignment between regulatory requirements and practical implementation across different business models.

Looking Ahead with Legislative Support

The Crime and Policing Bill features prominently in forward planning, as it promises expanded powers that will support both enforcement and information-sharing capabilities. Young described how these changes should enable faster responses to emerging threats while maintaining appropriate oversight of the licensed sector.

Industry participants at the summit received updates on timelines and expected operational impacts, allowing them to prepare internal processes accordingly. The regulator continues to publish relevant statistics and guidance through its research and statistics section to keep operators informed of evolving expectations.

Conclusion

Sue Young's address at the KPMG Gibraltar eSummit provided a clear snapshot of current priorities that connect enforcement, partnership development, and measured support for innovation. The combination of new legislative tools, refined assessment processes, and sustained operational activity points to a regulatory landscape that continues to evolve in response to both risks and opportunities within the gambling sector.