Conservatives Attack Labour Over Gambling Reforms
Labour has been accused of failing to consult properly with the industry over proposed reforms to the gambling sector.
Slot stake limits are among Labour’s gambling proposals being debated. © igorovsyannykov, Pixabay
Key Facts:
- A £5 slot stake limit for adults over the age of 25 is being proposed by Labour
- Players aged 18-24 would only be able to bet £2 on a slot game spin if plans go through
- A new statutory levy for the gambling sector is also being introduced by Labour
- Conservatives say Labour plans do not consider their negative impact on the sector’s jobs
In its manifesto ahead of the general election in 2024, Labour pledged to reform the sector but gave few details about how it would achieve this goal.
Recently, though, Labour announced the launch of a new statutory levy for the gambling industry that it says will raise as much as £100 million.
Labour also wants to introduce slot stake limits, with adults over 25 only being able to bet £5 per spin, while those younger but still legally allowed to gamble will be limited to £2 per bet.
Controversy And Criticism
Naturally, the planned reforms to the gambling sector have not been universally welcomed. They continue to be debated within parliament with the white paper being discussed in hearings of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport(DCMS) committee.
Undersecretary at DCMS Stephanie Peacock described the slot stake limits as a “much-needed protective measure” with Labour aiming to ensure “a proportionate response that protects consumers while sustaining the industry”.
But the shadow minister, Louie French, hit out at Labour’s proposals and claimed that they could create economic risks due to their impact on the sector.
At the hearing, the Conservative MP said: “Labour’s heavy-handed approach is endangering jobs, reducing revenues for good causes, and failing to properly consult stakeholders before implementing these drastic measures.”
Impact On Brick-And-Mortar Establishment
While Labour’s slot stake limits are aiming primarily at restricting how much can be gambled at online casinos, French said betting shops are being left behind.
He added: “The government’s refusal to implement long-overdue revisions for gambling venues has left retail operators struggling to compete with their online counterparts. “
“The previously proposed modernisation measures, including permitting more gaming machines and allowing sports betting in land-based casinos, have been shelved without justification. This delay is hindering economic recovery for brick-and-mortar establishments and exacerbating the challenges they already face.”
However, some believe that the government proposals on slot stake limits do not go far enough.
Former chair of the defunct All-Party Group on Gambling-Related Harms and ex-Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith said: “For years, we have seen families torn apart by gambling addiction.”
“While I support the levy, I remain concerned that online gambling operators continue to have an unfair advantage over high street bookmakers. The £5 stake limit for online slots remains too high and must be reviewed urgently.”
