Cross-Party Pressure Mounts
A cross-party group of UK Members of Parliament has called on the government to intensify its efforts in addressing gambling-related harms, following growing concerns about the social and economic impact of problem gambling across the country. The MPs are urging ministers to implement stronger protections and expedite overdue regulatory reforms to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
The group emphasized that despite the government’s ongoing Gambling Act review, progress has been sluggish, and existing measures are insufficient to deal with the evolving landscape of online gambling and its related risks. They pointed to recent data suggesting that over 400,000 people in the UK are experiencing gambling-related harms, with up to 2 million at risk of developing issues.
Key Recommendations
Among their proposals, MPs are advocating for mandatory affordability checks, stricter advertising controls, and a statutory levy on gambling operators to fund treatment, prevention, and education programs.
They also pushed for the establishment of an independent gambling ombudsman to handle consumer complaints effectively.
The MPs echoed findings from leading health organizations and advocacy groups, including GambleAware and the Royal Society for Public Health, which highlight the correlation between gambling-related harm and mental health issues, financial distress, and social isolation.
Industry and Government Response
While gambling industry bodies such as the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) argue that many operators have already introduced robust safeguards and responsible gambling tools, critics claim that voluntary measures fall short of adequately protecting consumers.
A government spokesperson acknowledged the MPs’ concerns, reiterating that the Gambling White Paper, released in April 2023, laid the foundation for modernizing regulations. However, campaigners insist that faster action is needed to mitigate harm effectively.
As legislative pressure builds, the coming months are expected to be pivotal in shaping the future regulatory framework for UK gambling.
