<p>All commercial gambling in Great Britain is subject to extensive regulatory controls, based on the three statutory objectives of keeping crime out of gambling, making sure it is fair and open and protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited. All licensed gambling operators are required to put in place effective policies and procedures to achieve these objectives. While we recognise that gambling problems can have a very serious impact on individuals, their friends and families and their communities, our system of gambling regulation has contributed to a relatively low rate of problem gambling in the adult population of around 0.9%. Nevertheless, we will continue to bring pressure to bear on the gambling industry to ensure the right balance is struck between the need to protect the vulnerable and the position of gambling as a mainstream leisure activity.</p>