I have long been worried about the extent of gambling harm and the impact that a gambling addiction can have on an addict and their family and friends.
The Government has, for a very long time, promised a White Paper on gambling reform and I believe that publication really is now imminent.
Although the Gambling Act 2005 doesn’t seem that long ago, it was brought into force before mobile smart phones and the whole online gambling experience has radically changed since then. It is therefore essential that we bring our gambling laws into the digital age.
A recent survey reported that 2.8% of the population are addicted to gambling. That is 1.4 million people directly addicted to gambling and, of course, many, many more impacted by that.
A few simple reforms could make a real difference including measures to ensure gambling is always affordable, we should set stake limits online as there are in land-based venues, set up a gambling ombudsman and, importantly, further implement restrictions on gambling advertising.
I am also supporting what they call a ‘smart’ Statutory Levy on the gambling industry to fund research, education and – importantly – treatment for gambling harms. Our NHS is overburdened already, let gambling companies contribute to the treatment needed to help gambling addicts.
A Statutory Levy is supported by both the Gambling Commission and GambleAware. Up until now the Government has relied on the gambling industry voluntarily contributing. Quite simple, it hasn’t worked. Gambling companies have ignored their agreed commitments
Not only is a Statutory Levy sensible, it is easy to implement – no new primary legislation is required. It could be in place before the next election!
Similar levies are already at work in other areas. When I was a Minister I was involved in the levy introduced in the insurance industry to fund mesothelioma compensation payouts. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel here.
I have recently co-signed a letter from backbench MPs to the Prime Minister calling for the immediate implementation of a ‘smart’ Statutory Levy to be included in the White Paper.
Now is the time to act.
Contact Mike:
Web: www.penning4hemel.com
Email: mike.penning.mp@parliament.uk
Telephone: 01442 251126
