This petition is to urge the UK Gambling Commission and the Government to update and clarify the definition of “skill-based” games under the Gambling Act 2005 to close regulatory loopholes and protect consumers from gambling-related harm.

The Issue

Under current UK gambling law, games marketed as "Skill With Prizes" (SWPs) are not classed as gambling machines, allowing them to be offered without a licence. However, the definition of "skill-based" games remains vague and outdated, leading to an increase in real-money gaming platforms that resemble gambling but avoid regulation.

Call for the Gambling Commission to Update the Definition of “Skill-Based” Games and Strengthen Regulations

• Include elements of chance, meaning outcomes are not entirely determined by skill.
• Encourage real-money deposits and aggressive monetisation, resembling gambling.
• Lack proper regulation, consumer protections, and responsible gambling measures.
• Operate without a UK gambling licence, despite having gambling-like mechanics.
• Pose significant risks to vulnerable people, including those in gambling recovery.

The Gambling Commission’s current guidance states that if a game contains both skill and chance, it should be classed as a gaming machine—yet some companies are still exploiting loopholes to operate unlicensed gambling-like platforms.

What Needs to Change?

We call on the Gambling Commission and UK Government to:

1. Update the definition of "skill-based" gaming to reflect modern gambling-like mechanics, ensuring games with both skill and chance are properly regulated.

2. Strengthen oversight and enforcement to ensure companies do not misclassify gambling-style games as skill-based to evade licensing requirements.

3. Introduce clearer guidelines on monetisation practices in skill-based games, ensuring that games which involve real-money stakes and cash prizes are subject to proper gambling laws.

4. Mandate that all real-money gaming operators provide responsible gambling tools, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and links to GamCare and BeGambleAware.

Why This Matters

The UK has made progress in addressing gambling harm, but outdated definitions of skill-based games are allowing a new wave of unregulated gambling-style platforms to emerge. Without action, vulnerable individuals—including those recovering from gambling addiction—are at risk of being misled by games that are gambling in all but name.

Sign this petition to demand urgent reform and protect consumers from unregulated gambling-style games!