Evidence sessions

The Commission on Crime and Gambling Related Harms will investigate patterns of crime linked to gambling related harm, before seeking to make recommendations for government, the gambling industry and within the criminal justice system. The Commission will hold evidence sessions with ministers and senior stakeholders using select committee style meetings.

First evidence session

In December 2019 the Commission heard from GambleAware and GamCare:

• GambleAware provided oral evidence and submitted a response to the Commission. Read the response here.
• GamCare provided oral evidence and an evidence report, which further outlines the links between crime and gambling, areas where they can provide support, and recommendations for an improved treatment model and a whole systems approach.

Second evidence session

In February 2020, the Commission was briefed by the Gambling Commission on the regulatory environment and the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms. The Gambling Commission provided a written summary which can be read here.

Third evidence session

In September 2020, the Commission held the third evidence session with Lord Chadlington. Read the briefing paper here and the minutes of the evidence session here.

Fourth evidence session

In December 2020, the Commission held the fourth evidence session. At this session the Commission heard evidence from witnesses with lived experience- Paul Buck (Chief Executive, EPIC Risk Management), Rebecca Jones (lived experience family member) and Stephen Ramsey (expert by experience). Read the witnesses submission here and the minutes of the evidence session here.

Fifth evidence session

The fifth evidence session was held on Thursday 10 December 2020. The Commission heard evidence from Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP and Carolyn Harris MP. Read the minutes of the evidence session here and supplementary questions here.

Sixth evidence session

The sixth evidence session was held on Tuesday 23 February 2021. The Commission heard evidence from Andrea Albutt, President of the Prison Governors Association, and Lisa Ustok, Probation Officer, South West Probation. Read the minutes of the evidence session here.

Seventh evidence session

The seventh evidence session was held on Thursday 25 March 2021. The Commission heard evidence from industry representatives Maris Catania and Tim Cook (Kindred Group plc) and Roger Parkes (Betway). Read the minutes of the evidence session here.

Eighth evidence session

The eighth evidence session was held on Monday 17 May 2021. The Commission heard evidence from Commissioner Neil Platt about Beacon Trust’s ongoing work in police custody suites. Read the minutes of the evidence session here and view the presentation slides here.

Ninth evidence session

The ninth evidence session was held on Thursday 22 July 2021. The Commission heard evidence from Dr Robert Williams, University of Lethbridge. Read the minutes of the evidence session here and the accompanying notes here.

Future evidence sessions

The Commission will continue to hold evidence sessions throughout 2021. Further details will be provided here.