Reports say that the long-awaited proposals for the UK Government to bring reforms to the country’s gambling legislation are being delayed and are not likely to get officially announced until May.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) started a review of gambling laws in December 2020, following increasing concerns over rising problem gambling rates and gambling exposure of children through advertising and football sponsorship.
As previously reported, a white paper was officially expected to be published before the end of last year. However, the authorities delayed the announcement of the white paper until early 2022 following a cabinet reshuffle in which Chris Philp replaced John Whittingdale as gambling minister. Now, The Guardian has learned from three individuals with knowledge of the process that the proposals for the announcement are not expected until May 2022. The delay has fuelled more concern among problem gambling campaigners who have been asking for urgent reforms.
The UK Government’s review of the country’s gambling legislation has triggered some turbulence. Campaigners, who have insisted on some reform in the sector, have shared stories of gambling addiction and multiple transgressions of major companies that have been operating in the country. Furthermore, the links between Members of Parliament and the gambling sector have come under scrutiny, including some hospitality and special gifts received by local politicians, some of whom were members of a group criticising the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) that regulates the industry.
UK Government’s Internal Problems Should Not Stay in the Way of Gambling Reforms, Carolyn Harris Says
Carolyn Harris, who heads a cross-party group of Members of Parliament that examine gambling-related harm and its effects on local people, shared fears that the ongoing Government review could be disrupted because of the uncertainty surrounding the future of Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has been backing the proposed gambling overhaul. According to Ms Harris, the competent authorities must take their time to gather the evidence necessary to make sure that the right measures are taken and the most adequate reforms are implemented. The Labour MP, however, is concerned because the
gambling review was announced more than 2 years ago and it has not been brought to an end yet.
Ms Harris noted that every day of delay would result in more and more gambling-related harm on the backs of vulnerable people while the industry is generating its profits. She said that the UK Government must not allow its own internal problems to get in the way of the much-expected reforms of the country’s gambling legislation.
One of the co-founders of the charity Gambling With Lives – Liz Ritchie – noted that every day someone commits suicide in the UK because of gambling, and the authorities should not wait any longer for the white paper to get published.
As Casino Guardian previously reported, DCMS officials have joined forces with the main regulatory body of the industry – the UK Gambling Commission – on a potential overhaul aimed at improving gambling addicts and other vulnerable individuals in the country. Unfortunately, the gambling watchdog does not have enough resources to deal with everything on its own, especially considering the fact that it is currently overseeing the decision on the next 10-year operating licence for the UK National Lottery. A final decision on the permit is expected to be made by February or in early March.
- Author
Daniel Williams
