Gambling White Paper Delay Raises Concerns Over Increased Risk of Harm

The Gambling Awareness Organization has voiced serious worries about the potential postponement of the UK government’s Gambling Act white paper. They warn that delaying action will put more individuals at risk of gambling-related harm.

The white paper, designed to align rules and regulations with the contemporary market, has faced multiple postponements since the Gambling Act Review began in 2020. The current Gambling Act was introduced in 2005.

Chris Philp, the UK government official responsible for gambling, stepped down earlier this month and disclosed that the document is currently awaiting final approval from the Prime Minister’s Office.

However, the recent departure of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has further complicated the process, with a Conservative Party leadership competition currently underway to select his replacement.

Last week, Damian Collins was appointed Minister of State for Online Safety at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and will oversee the UK government’s efforts on gambling and lottery policy. He may make concluding adjustments to the white paper.

Nevertheless, reports suggest that the white paper might not be published until after Johnson’s successor assumes office.

The GambleAware organization, dedicated to mitigating the harmful effects of gambling in the UK, is expressing concern over the government’s postponement in releasing a white paper on gambling. They are urging for the paper’s prompt publication.

Zoe Osmond, the leader of GambleAware, stated, “We are deeply troubled by the potential for further postponements of the gambling white paper. If the government fails to act immediately, more individuals will be vulnerable to the dangers of gambling, and this expanding public health issue will worsen.”

“We are apprehensive that the confluence of rising costs, the lingering consequences of the pandemic, and the surge in online gambling could culminate in a perilous situation, placing a greater number of people at risk of gambling-related harm.

“We, in collaboration with other charitable organizations, necessitate a transparent and consistent method for acquiring funding. This will ensure that we possess the financial resources to provide support and treatment, prevent further individuals from experiencing the detrimental effects of gambling, and raise awareness regarding the hazards associated with gambling.”

One alteration GambleAware advocates for is a mandatory levy that gambling companies are obligated to pay to finance research, education, and treatment for gambling-related harm.

Currently, gambling companies opt to contribute to research, education, and treatment, but GambleAware believes that the payment of a fee should be mandated for them to obtain a license in the UK.

The past week witnessed a rebound in stock values within the gaming sector following an initial downturn. This occurred after reports surfaced regarding a new document outlining a £125 monthly spending limit and stricter scrutiny of players incurring losses exceeding £2,000 over a three-month span.

Earnings + More, a prominent industry observer, provided further insights into the document’s contents on July 13th.

Industry experts confirmed to iGB that this information aligns with their comprehension of the document.