Govt urged not to bow to pressure from predatory gambling industry

Press Release | CARE has urged the UK Government not to “kowtow” to betting industry lobbying designed to “hole plans for gambling reform below the waterline”.

In recent days, industry representatives have increased called on Ministers to abandon plans to enact tougher regulation. On Sunday, it emerged that Chancellor Rishi Sunak had written to Nadine Dorries, Chair of the DCMS, to raise objections from the horse racing industry.

And today, Michael Dughe, chair of the industry-led Betting and Gaming Council, called on Ministers to avoid ‘stringent’ measures. He said: “Anti-gambling campaigners may want to see a smaller regulated industry, but that would be bad news for the economy and the Exchequer”.

A whitepaper setting out reforms is expected in May but it has already been subject to delays prompting concern that the government is reconsidering.

James Mildred, Chief Communications Officer at CARE, commented:

“The predatory gambling industry knows its time in the sun is coming to an end with desperately needed measures to curb betting and protect vulnerable people in the offing.

"As a result, it is stepping up attempts to hole plans for gambling reform below the waterline. Ministers must not kowtow to this cynical lobbying. It is driven by greed, not by genuine concern for the welfare of punters.

“Gambling related harms have skyrocketed in the UK, particularly in the wake of online betting. Addiction leads to physical and mental health problems, family breakdown, domestic abuse and even suicide.

"Current laws are hopelessly out-of-date, and regulation is simply not fit for purpose. Ministers must listen to those who have suffered and are suffering and enact a wide suite of measures to bring the betting industry to heel.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

CARE is a Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk