Labour must deliver gambling reform

Labour can protect Brits facing gambling harm by delivering “robust” and long-overdue gambling reforms, CARE has said.

CARE has called for “decisive” action by Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy after “dither and delay” by previous secretaries of state.

A gambling whitepaper was agreed last year but experts fear it does not go far enough to help vulnerable people.

Tim Cairns, CARE’s gambling policy lead, commented:

“The last government continually promised change for people experiencing problem gambling, who have suffered due to a woeful lack of regulation. In reality, we saw years of buck-passing and inaction and now, even the modest changes eventually agreed to have been watered down.

“Lisa Nandy will have many competing priorities in her inbox, but we’d urge her to ensure that robust gambling reforms is one of them. The white paper announced in April last year has not been fully implemented, and the consultation process has stalled. Starmer’s administration needs to end the dither and delay that characterised the last government and opt for fast, decisive action. Around 400,000 Brits struggling with problem depend on it.

“We’d urge the government to immediately move to implement a gambling levy and review the levels previously set out. The white paper proposed a levy that would raise £100 million, which will not meet the challenges we face. On average it costs £650 a year to help a person in gambling harm. When you do the maths, that means £260 million is needed for addiction treatment alone. We must also invest significantly in preventative measures and research.

“In addition to the white paper, the Government needs to curb gambling advertising, especially in sport. Footballing authorities may have recognised the need to end gambling sponsorship, but teams continue to enter deals with betting companies, and gambling adverts continue to saturate television coverage. Vulnerable people deserve better protection.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

More from CARE:

Next government must tackle 'toxic' relationship between gambling and football | CARE

Govt urged: take 5 per cent of gambling industry profits to help those harmed | CARE

Polling finds public unease about gambling as govt white paper due to be published | CARE

About CARE:

CARE is a social policy charity, bringing Christian insight to the policies and laws that affect our lives. Contact us: press@care.org.uk