Gambling APPG Launches Inquiry
An inquiry into the UK government’s Gambling Act Review white paper has been launched by the Gambling Related Harm APPG. The group will assess the practicality of the proposals outlined in the white paper, and whether any measures should be introduced sooner. The Gambling Act Review has proved controversial since its launch nearly three years ago, and campaigners say that it does not go far enough to combat gambling harms.
The inquiry will analyze areas of potential harm overlooked by the white paper.
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Incoming Legislation
The Gambling Related Harm APPG has announced an inquiry into the government’s recently published Gambling Act Review white paper. The inquiry will take a close look at the proposals outlined in the white paper, which is titled ‘High Stakes: Gambling Reform for the Digital Age’.
In a press release, the APPG expanded on the purpose of the inquiry. Firstly, it will assess and analyze the measures detailed in the white paper before setting out recommendations for the government to inform the consultation phase. The inquiry also aims to hold the government accountable, and ensure that reforms are brought in as soon as possible.
Finally, the inquiry will ensure that commitments made in the white paper to legislate ‘when parliamentary time allows’ are brought forward as a priority. The APPG has specified that this includes the attribution of enhanced powers to the Gambling Commission to ensure enforcement.
The Gambling Related Harm APPG has led the call for updating the UK’s gambling legislation. In recent years, it has been widely accepted that legislation has not kept pace with the digital age, in particular with regards to online betting and gaming. However, there has been a rift in opinion in terms of how far legislation should go to reign in the industry.
Campaigners and MPs in favor of tighter regulation have called for caps on online gambling stakes, a ban on gambling advertising in the Premier League and greater safeguards for consumers. The industry and parties representing it, such as the Betting and Gaming Council, take the view that steep curbs will impact jobs and drive customers into the arms of black-market operators.
In publishing its white paper, the government has attempted to appeal to both sides of the debate. However, with so much at stake, this move has risked pleasing neither party. While the Gambling Related Harm APPG has welcomed the reforms, it does not believe that they go far enough and has expressed concern over time-frame proposed.
Steeper Curbs Needed
Stating its case for the inquiry, the APPG said that its key focus was on modernizing and developing regulation in the online gambling industry. It was pleased to see a number of proposals, including reinforced customer checks, stake limits for online slots and elevated powers for the Gambling Commission.
The white paper has committed to consult on a cross-operator harm prevention system, updated design rules for online products and improvements to player-set deposit limits. The design and targeting of incentives such as free bets and bonuses are also to be reviewed. A fully independent ombudsman is planned, as is a statutory levy on operators.
The APPG expressed disappointment at restrictions on gambling advertising including for white label and affiliate products. It described these proposals as ‘relatively weak’, calling for more to be done on advertising to protect children and young people.
Announcing the inquiry, chair of the APPG Carolyn Harris MP explained the need for scrutiny. Harris has been an outspoken critic of the government’s handling of the review and has advocated for tighter regulation of the gambling industry, which she describes as a ‘wild west’. Harris stated:
“Whilst we entirely welcome many of the proposals set out in the White Paper, and are pleased the Government has listened to our calls for reform, there is clearly more work to be done. The APPG will now seek to inform the Government with further evidence and analysis during the important consultation phase, and ensure that measures and commitments made, that will help save lives, are implemented as a priority.”
The Gambling Act Review has run into numerous problems since its launch in December 2020. The review was initially projected to take a year, but delays caused by the pandemic, the National Lottery license competition and cabinet reshuffles meant that the white paper was only published this April.
Call for Evidence
The APPG is welcoming evidence and submissions, which it must receive by July 11th of this year. It will use these to inform the inquiry’s recommendations. Specifically, it is looking for views on a range of issues, including how the statutory levy should be operated, what the optimal system on data sharing could be and what further steps should be taken to protect children and young people from harm.
It also asks how affordability checks should be operated, how an ombudsman should be administered and what the optimal stake limit for online slot content should be. Other areas under scrutiny include those not within the remit of the white paper, such as the operation of the National Lottery and the emergence of new forms of gambling.
A work program for the inquiry has already been laid out consisting of five sessions. The first session will take place on July 4th and will discuss stake limits for online slots, online design rules and affordability limits. On the 18th of July, the statutory levy will be discussed, followed by affordability on September 19th. Advertising will be the topic on October 24th. The inquiry will wrap up on November 28th, with ministerial evidence and next steps presented.
Members of the APPG have outlined their recommendations for the review, calling for faster implementation of changes where possible. It wants to see more effective affordability checks, regulation on video game loot boxes, the reform of online casino VIP schemes and an NHS-led treatment system for gambling addiction.
Last month, the Betting and Gaming APPG confirmed that it would close down. First formed in 2015, the cross-party group consisted of members with an interest in the gambling industry. The group was led by Scott Benton MP, who is currently under investigation after being caught in a lobbying sting.
