NI gambling proposals ‘devoid of ambition’ - CARE for NI

Press release: 2 February 2022

GAMBLING proposals before the Northern Ireland Assembly are “devoid of ambition” and will do little to address massive gambling-related harms, a charity has said.

Watch: CARE on BBC Ulster: Stephen Nolan show 2 Feb 2022

CARE for NI, which campaigns for stricter regulation of the betting industry and better support for people locked in addiction, notes that government proposals could make laws “more permissive” at a time when accountability is desperately required.

According to the charity, the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill also misses an important opportunity to appoint an “independent regulator” in NI, to tailor regulation to NI’s needs.

And it fails to act on various issues, from online gambling to the prevalence of gambling advertising on television and online, to addictive technologies used in bookmakers and various other premises.

The prevalence of gambling related harm is higher in NI than any other part of the UK or Ireland. 2016 research suggested 40,000 adults in NI are experiencing gambling related harm. As many as 200,000 people are directly or indirectly affected.

Rebecca Stevenson, Policy Officer at CARE for NI, commented:

“The bill before Stormont is devoid of ambition. It fails to address the huge dangers represented by online gambling. It is silent on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) – known as the ‘crack cocaine’ of gambling. It leaves out advertising. It fails to introduce independent regulation.

“If anything, the proposals would make gambling rules more permissive by extending the hours bookmakers are allowed to open. How can the government seriously be considering this given already massive rates of gambling addiction? Opening on Sundays will only result in the most vulnerable losing more money.

“This is the first piece of substantive legislation on gambling since the 80s. Technology has completely changed the face of gambling and the scale of gambling related harms. Major work is required to catch up. The plans as they stand completely miss the mark, and risk doing nothing to curb the staggering scale of harms in NI.

“MLAs must amend these proposals to give them teeth. We call on members in all parties to consider changes that will truly help the vulnerable. We need independent regulation to suit NI’s situation. We need a wide levy on betting companies. We need action to target online betting, advertising, and FOBTs. And much more besides.

“We also call for a new body of research on gambling harms in NI. The most recent major studies are from 2016, more than five years ago and before a pandemic that is feared to have sent more people into addiction. Substantial new work is required to inform our approach in years to come.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

CARE for NI is a well-established mainstream Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives.

For interview requests or more information please contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk

Read a CARE for NI Briefing on the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill