Ian Angus Highlights Stable Participation Rates and Record Sector Yields During Lotteries Council Annual Conference Address
Vera Russell · May 24, 2026
Ian Angus Highlights Stable Participation Rates and Record Sector Yields During Lotteries Council Annual Conference Address
Director of Policy Ian Angus delivered remarks at the Lotteries Council Annual Conference where he presented data from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain that shows adult participation holding steady at 48 percent while the sector posted a record Gross Gambling Yield of £16.8 billion during 2024/25. The figures come from official regulatory returns and cover activity across multiple gambling formats including society lotteries which contributed more than £1 billion in GGY and directed £484.6 million toward good causes during the same period.
Conference Context and Data Presentation
Angus addressed attendees in May 2026 and focused on how the latest GSGB statistics reflect consistent engagement levels among adults. Those statistics also indicate that society lotteries continue to deliver substantial returns both for operators and for charitable distributions. Conference organizers scheduled the session to align with the release of the most recent annual figures so participants could review participation trends alongside financial performance metrics in one setting.
Key Statistics from the Gambling Survey for Great Britain
Official returns compiled by the Gambling Commission show participation remaining unchanged at 48 percent compared with prior periods while the overall Gross Gambling Yield reached its highest level recorded to date. Society lotteries accounted for a notable share of that total by generating more than £1 billion in GGY and simultaneously transferring £484.6 million to designated good causes. Data from the same source further breaks down yield by product type and highlights the role of lotteries in maintaining steady charitable contributions even as broader market conditions fluctuate.
Gambling Commission 2026/27 Business Plan Priorities
Angus outlined the commission's forward-looking business plan for 2026/27 which centers on several core regulatory objectives. Those objectives include continued monitoring of participation data, strengthening consumer protections, and maintaining oversight of licensed operators. The plan also incorporates expanded work on emerging market risks and places particular emphasis on ensuring that regulatory resources address both established and new challenges within the sector.
Efforts to Address Illegal Gambling Operations
During the same address Angus described ongoing initiatives aimed at disrupting unlicensed gambling activities. Commission teams have increased the number of enforcement actions over recent months and have coordinated with law enforcement partners to identify and close illegal sites. Figures released alongside the speech show a measurable rise in successful disruptions which regulators attribute to improved intelligence sharing and faster response times. Observers note that these actions target operations that fall outside the licensed framework and therefore operate without the consumer safeguards required of regulated entities.
Angus explained that the commission continues to refine its detection methods and works with payment providers and technology platforms to limit access to illegal services. The 2026/27 business plan allocates additional resources to these disruption activities and sets measurable targets for further reductions in unlicensed market activity.
Collaboration with Society Lotteries Operators
The speech also covered the commission's established working relationship with society lotteries operators. Angus described regular engagement through industry forums and technical working groups that allow both sides to discuss compliance issues and share operational data. This collaboration supports consistent application of regulatory standards while enabling lotteries to maintain their fundraising activities for good causes. Commission staff have conducted joint reviews of marketing practices and player protection measures with lottery representatives and plan additional joint projects under the upcoming business plan.
Integration of Data and Regulatory Strategy
Angus connected the GSGB statistics directly to the commission's enforcement and policy work. Participation remaining at 48 percent provides a baseline against which regulators can assess the impact of future interventions while the record £16.8 billion GGY figure informs resource allocation decisions. Society lotteries' contribution of more than £1 billion in GGY and £484.6 million to good causes receives separate tracking because these operators operate under distinct licensing conditions that tie commercial performance to charitable outcomes.
Conclusion
The address at the Lotteries Council Annual Conference presented a consolidated view of current participation levels, financial performance, and upcoming regulatory priorities. Angus tied the stable 48 percent adult participation rate and the £16.8 billion record GGY directly to the commission's 2026/27 objectives while underscoring intensified efforts against illegal operators and continued cooperation with society lotteries. The statistics and plans discussed remain available through the Gambling Commission website for further review by operators and stakeholders.