By adopting a role as a both a regulator and major funder of campaign groups it has lost a sense of objectivity and is straying badly from its original purpose. It has overseen an explosion in black market gambling which now accounts for a tenth of the market with 531 illegal sports betting and casino operators actively targeting British customers.

It has funded campaigning organisations which have misused statistics and misled the public and politicians, continuing to write the cheques despite knowing this. These funds, which are raised from the licensing gambling industry, should be used to treat people with gambling disorder, not finance political campaigns.

In raising these funds, The Gambling Commission applies an aggressive and inconsistent approach to meeting its objectives with terrible consequences for businesses and individuals.

It is time for the government to reign in this regulator so that gambling is truly made fairer and safer.