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UK Delays Gambling Laws Review - Again
By Shane Addinall Feb 10, 2022 IndustryWith over twelve months passing, the British government still shows no evidence of a solid gambling reform outcome. Announcements confirm that the white paper will only surface around May.Amid a tumultuous political climate, it now seems that the UK Government will only publish their long-awaited gambling reform closer to May 2022. Various political events pushed the original due date back from the end of 2021 to early 2022. Reports confirm that they extended the due date until May 2022.
The government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 was first announced in December 2020 and concerned parties welcomed the proposal of an up-to-date gambling Act. News of a further delay has Labour MPs furious and industry stakeholders concerned.
According to reports, the uncertainty of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s future in the cabinet is one of the factors leading to the constant delays. Year-end setbacks included the cabinet reshuffling.
Bureaucracy
Fifteen years after the current gambling act came into force, the government announced their gambling review and set a deadline. They set out to conclude the white paper on gambling reforms by the end of 2021. More than a year after the announcement, Brits anticipate the hotly debated white paper, and the government keeps delaying.
Changes in government, as well as new appointments in the UK Gambling Commission, had an impact on the proposal process. A cabinet reshuffle in September saw John Whittingdale step down as Minister of gambling and Chris Philp taking his place. During the same time, the UKGC announced that Andrew Rhodes is the interim chief executive. This came about after the former chief executive, Neil McArthur’s surprise resignation. The commission also named Marcus Boyle as the new chair at this time.
While former minister Whittingdale’s Department of Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport launched the review, speculations indicate that if Prime Minister Johnson steps down, it may impact the process. All evidence shows that new gambling minister Philp will carry the task to fruition. However, we understand that Prime Minister Johnson is supportive of gambling reform.
Carolyn Harris, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Gambling Related Harm, said:
“Of course, time must be taken to gather the evidence to ensure the right reforms are put in place, but the gambling review was announced over two years ago”.
Gambling addiction campaigners demand urgent reform and the delays fuel their motivation.
Curb Gambling Harm
Gambling addiction and underaged gambling are pinnacle factors in the reform and lawmakers seek to protect at-risk gamblers and children above all. Announcements of some proposed regulations had Brits up in arms and surveys revealed such changes could lead to increased offshore gambling.
Income-related caps, advertising bans, and prohibition of football sponsorships have all been on the table for discussion. Reports indicate MPs considered the regulation of cryptocurrencies under the reformed Gambling Act. Michael Dugher, Chief Executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, voiced his concern about the driving factors behind such suggestions. He urged MPs to make evidence-based decisions.
Protests from organisations like Gambling With Lives and the UKGC being blindsided by last year’s Football Index collapse, add fuel to the seemingly uncontained fire about the awaited gambling white paper. With key decision-makers in government and the regulator moving around like pieces on a chessboard, concerns are warranted.
Co-Founder of Gambling With Lives, Liz Ritchie, and her husband Charles established the organisation after their son committed suicide. He suffered from gambling addiction while at school and Mrs Ritchie begged the government to stop wasting time and lives. She said:
“Someone takes their life every day in the UK because of gambling, so we simply cannot wait until May to see this white paper."
The Ritchie’s charity recently launched a campaign calling for investigations for every gambling-related suicide.
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