UKGC moves forward with ‘lived experience’ initiative on problem gambling

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The UK Gambling Commission’s (UKGC) ‘Lived Experience Advisory Panel’ has held its first meeting on gambling harms, risks and addictions, following the launch of the initiative in June 2020.

‘Lived experience feedback’ has had a positive impact on advice regarding game design, affordability and customer interaction, affording to UKGC CEO Neil McArthur.

“The establishment of this group is a great step forward for us in our work in making gambling safer and building our understanding of harm and its impacts,” he added.

“As already proven by the input of the Interim Group, the views and perspectives of Lived Experience in our decision making is invaluable and is already having a positive impact in our work in addressing gambling related harm.”

A spokesperson on behalf of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel also commented: “We are pleased that the Gambling Commission has recognised the importance of listening to people who have been harmed by gambling and welcome their real commitment to ensuring that this can happen.

“The creation of this group creates a real opportunity for the voice of those with lived experience to support and influence the work of the Gambling Commission. We are a diverse group of people and bring a wide range skills and personal experience of gambling harm. We take this role seriously and look forward to working together as a group to make progress in tackling gambling harm.”

The ‘Lived Experience Group” will form part of the wider ‘Experts by Experience Group,’ established by the Commission to assist with the development of its safer gambling policy and initiatives. The UKGC plans to incorporate the panel into its advisory board on safer gambling.

Furthermore, the panel will consult the Commission’s Digital Advisory’ regarding consumer protection, with the UKGC stating that it has a duty to ensure it receives a broad range of feedback in order to ensure its policy development strategy is adequately informed.

“I welcome today’s announcement of the permanent Lived Experience Advisory Panel, which is a positive step towards better understanding harms caused by gambling,” said William Moyes, Chairman of the UK Gambling Commission.

“By collaborating with those with lived experience, friends, families and communities we can make faster progress to reduce gambling harms.”