Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who is currently the chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling-Related Harm, has taken part in a 2-hour discussion on the societal issues brought on by the British gambling industry.
During the debate, which took place in the House of Commons, Ms Harris was outspoken in her opinion about what she described as questionable practices used by the local gambling operators. She also noted that the practices in question had not led to a meaningful debate on the possible improvements that could be brought to the sector, such as more customer-focused services and services seeking to guarantee better customer protection.
Ms Harris has described the Parliamentary debates regarding the local gambling industry as reduced to name-calling instead of actually beneficial and criticised a much-used warning issued by the gambling sector that the implementation of further restrictions would have an extremely negative effect on jobs within the industry. Previously, gambling companies that operate in the UK have warned the British Government that the promotion of further restrictions on the country’s gambling laws could result in the closures of up to 9,000 betting outlets.
Ms Harris, however, used some evidence to once and for all dismiss the predictions of detrimental effects that the proposed crackdown measures could have on the local gambling sector, arguing that about 8,000 betting outlets are currently operational.
More Restrictive Approach Has to Be Adopted in Terms of the UK Gambling Industry, Campaigners Say
According to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling-Related Harm, providing more resources to more labour-intensive areas rather than redirecting them to gambling, could generate additional employee earnings worth up to £400 million. The group has argued that such a change would not be necessarily bad and would not have a detrimental impact on the jobs of people who are employed in the gambling industry.
Ms Harris cited some data, according to which, over the past decade, the sector has already faced financial penalties worth over £100 million, with about 10 operating licenses being subject to revocation. She noted that a more liberal and relaxed regulatory approach was clearly not doing a good job and suggested that more restrictive measures should be unveiled by the competent authorities.
Sir Iain Duncan-Smith, a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group, has also insisted on the Government adopting a tougher stance on the matter. He has argued that the rising cost of living and debt have made it a lot more dangerous for local people to continue taking part in gambling activities, especially when it comes to individuals living in more disadvantaged areas. According to Duncan-Smith, it was high time for gambling industry stakeholders to acknowledge that changes are necessary to be brought to the sector.
Lately, there has also been increasing research into the gambling habits of British consumers, along with suggestions on how to reduce excessive gambling. Recent surveys have found that a large number of people have been altering their attitude towards gambling, with approximately half of the Brits expecting to see the authorities reduce the time and money they spend while gambling with various service providers.
- Author
Daniel Williams
