Tim Miller, an executive director at the Gambling Commission, expressed concern over the improper use of official statistics, suggesting that some individuals might be intentionally distorting data.
During his address at the annual GambleAware conference, Miller emphasized the need for media outlets and various stakeholders to be meticulous when using statistical evidence.
The Gambling Commission has been intensifying its efforts to combat what it sees as the misuse of statistics. Miller’s remarks followed a blog post by Ben Haden, the Gambling Commission’s director of research and statistics, asserting that the organization would treat statistical misuse with seriousness.
On December 5, the commission published the latest issue of the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB), which aims to prevent selective use of the survey data.
Miller pointed out that no single statistic provides a comprehensive view, stating the GSGB is crucial but only a part of the larger evidential framework.
He remarked: “Addressing the misuse of official statistics is regrettably demanding more of our attention.
“We recently shared data regarding children and young people, which was unfortunately often misrepresented in media coverage.
“Sometimes, misuse happens unintentionally. A well-meaning attempt to present information accessibly can oversimplify a nuanced scenario.
“At times, it involves careless reporting—an eye-catching headline that misrepresents the substance of a carefully written article.”
Miller also noted instances where incorrect statistical use seemed deliberate, with the intent of supporting a preexisting belief through selective data use.
He stated: “Regardless of the cause, it’s imperative we all remain careful when handling evidence. This involves employing precise definitions, avoiding biased data selection to reach a preferred result, and acknowledging when decisions are pending due to inconclusive evidence—a concept known as the precautionary principle.”
Freedom of Information (FOI) requests published on the Gambling Commission’s website since September showcase various cases where the regulator contacted news outlets and individuals to rectify statistical use.
On November 4, redacted communications were released after an FOI request about “official statistics misuse” from September 19 onward.
The request disclosed that the regulator corresponded with several publications, including The Telegraph, Times, Daily Express, and iNews.
In The Telegraph’s case, the outlet was warned against “grossing up” problem gambling statistics in the UK, contradicting GSGB guidance.
The GSGB guidelines state: “The GSGB should not be used to extrapolate problem gambling prevalence or consequences to the entire population until additional evaluations are completed.”
iNews had used GSGB data to estimate that 2.5% of adults possess a PGSI score higher than eight, inferring that 1.3 million individuals in the UK are problem gamblers. The Gambling Commission requested iNews to remove the figure per GSGB guidance.
The Times was contacted for citing the commission as a source for a claim that one million adults and 55,000 children in the UK have severe gambling issues. The commission clarified it does not publish gambling addiction rates.
Similarly, The Daily Express was advised against comparing GSGB data with earlier studies, as it could mislead readers and cast doubt on the survey’s credibility.
The FOI release from September to November included the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, which had also referenced the 1.3 million problem gambling claim and elaborated on stats regarding harm caused by others’ gambling behavior.
A September 19 FOI request sought information regarding statistical misuse for the year to date.
The Gambling Commission stated it had interacted with 15 entities and organizations since June 20, including The Guardian, Daily Mail Online, Gambling with Lives, and the University of Bristol.
An October 23 FOI requested communications between the Gambling Commission and the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) concerning statistics use.
Emails show the commission urging the BGC to adopt “official” GSGB figures, instead of NHS Health Survey data.
The NHS Health Survey, described as an “accredited statistic” by the BGC, lists the problem gambling rate in the UK as 0.4%.
According to the FOI documents, the BGC informed the Gambling Commission it would continue using the NHS Health Survey statistics over the GSGB dataset.
There was no allegation from the Gambling Commission that the BGC misused data. The commission indicated, “We’ve noted that the BGC persists in referencing previous stats; it’s not a situation of statistical misuse, but we would encourage using the official figure in future.”
A BGC spokesperson stated: “The method used in this survey differs from past betting and gaming surveys.
“Therefore, the Gambling Commission acknowledges that GSGB should not directly compare with prior survey outcomes, gauge addiction, or derive overall problem gambling prevalence.
“Our members worry these findings might be inaccurate, as GSGB may overemphasize gambling participation and related harm. Surveys relying mostly on online self-reporting often estimate higher gambling participation and related harms compared to other established methods.
“The BGC and our members are dedicated to enhancing standards and welcome rigorous studies that correctly assess betting and gaming involvement and problem gambling prevalence.
“This pledge is bolstered by unprecedented funding, with BGC members contributing over £170 million in the last four years to independent research, prevention, and treatment services addressing gambling problems and harm.
“Approximately 22.5 million UK residents bet monthly, and most do so safely and responsibly. The latest NHS Health Survey for England estimates 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers.”