Baroness Twycross Delivers Speech on GambleAware’s Conference
Baroness Twycross, the gambling minister, has delivered a speech to the GambleAware Annual Conference on the government’s harm-reduction plans.
Gambling-related harm is on the new government’s agenda for 2025. © crystal710, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- Government recently introduced a new statutory gambling levy for UK operators
- Labour is committed to helping people to gamble more responsibly via its changes
- £100 million a year will be raised by the levy, going to combat gambling-related harms
- Baroness Twycross says the new statutory levy system is clearer, fairer and sustainable
The government recently announced the first part of its planned reform of the gambling industry, launching a new statutory levy that it claims will raise £100 million a year.
Labour had pledged to make changes to the sector in its pre-election manifesto but waited until recently to give its first proposals. UK operators will now be forced to contribute to the levy, with the money that is raised going towards combating gambling-related harms.
The government said some operators had been voluntarily contributing just £1 towards gambling harm-related products, resulting in the need for a statutory levy.
Baroness Twycross said the NHS will be closely involved in implementing the new system.
Collaboration to Play A Key Role
Speaking at the GambleAware Annual Conference, the UK’s gambling minister hailed the importance of a smooth transition to the new National Gambling Support Network.
She said: “Together with many of you in this room, GambleAware has been crucial in getting the issue of gambling harm up the agenda.”
“We are committed to a smooth and stable transition to the levy, which represents a step change in the government’s efforts in this area. We will work with all key stakeholders to ensure its success.”
“Close collaboration with the third sector will be crucial to ensure people in need continue to get the support they need as we move towards the levy system.”
Impact Of Slot Stake Limits
Baroness Twycross went on to note the importance of stake limits for online slot games. The government announced a £5 limit on the amount that can be spent on a single spin of the reels. For young adults, the limit will be set at a maximum of just £2 per spin.
The minister said the new stake limits for online slots “will work together with other changes that have been made to game design, such as slowing down the speed of play and banning autoplay features”.
She added: “These measures reduce play intensity and are intended to provide customers with a better understanding of their gambling.”
In England, the excess cost of the health harms associated with gambling during 2023 was estimated to be around £1.475 billion.
