eGaming Integrity, a leading compliance and internal audit advisory firm, has announced the launch of its Safer Gambling Audit Service. This new independent assessment is designed to provide operators with a structured, evidence-based review of their player protection controls, filling a critical gap as established third-party certification schemes wind down.
The service comes at a pivotal time for the UK market. With the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) increasing its enforcement focus on “active” rather than “passive” monitoring, and the closure of the GamCare Safer Gambling Standard in late 2024, operators are seeking new ways to demonstrate robust governance to boards, investors, and regulators.
A Structured, Audit-Led Approach
Unlike high-level reviews or generic “tick-box” certifications, the eGaming Integrity service utilizes a rigorous internal audit methodology. The audit evaluates how safer gambling protocols function in real-world scenarios rather than just assessing policy documents.
Key areas of the assessment include:
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Customer Interactions: Sampling and testing of real cases to ensure interventions are timely and effective.
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Financial Vulnerability: Reviewing the effectiveness of financial risk triggers and affordability checks.
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Governance & Oversight: Evaluating how the Board and senior management monitor compliance and mitigate risk.
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Internal Controls: Testing the “markers of harm” systems to ensure they identify risky behavior as it develops.
Filling the Gap Left by GamCare
The launch specifically addresses the industry vacuum created by the sunsetting of the GamCare Safer Gambling Standard. While GamCare has transitioned away from providing operator audits to focus on treatment and financial sector collaborations, eGaming Integrity is among the first to bring a professional, audit-led alternative to market.
“Businesses are operating in a regulatory environment that demands clarity, consistency, and credible assurance,” said Robert Penfold, Head of Internal Audit at eGaming Integrity. “Our Safer Gambling Audit provides an independent view of how well controls are functioning in practice, giving Boards the information they need for effective oversight.”
Aligned with 2026 Regulatory Changes
The audit is mapped directly against the UKGC’s Social Responsibility Code requirements. This is particularly relevant given the upcoming regulatory changes on January 19, 2026, which introduce stricter rules on:
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Socially Responsible Incentives: A ban on mixing product types (e.g., “Bet £5 on sports, get 20 casino spins”).
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Wagering Requirements: New limits on how bonuses can be structured to protect vulnerable players.
Operators who undergo the audit receive a detailed report, a management letter with prioritized recommendations, and a regulatory mapping index to help them prepare for official UKGC assessments.
