Thank you for contacting me about online gambling.
For many, gambling can be entertaining but I recognise that it can also become a serious problem. While we all want a healthy gambling industry that makes an important economic contribution, and which brings enjoyment to its consumers, we must also protect those that use it from harm.
Operators must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the accompanying conditions. In 2019, the Gambling Commission introduced new rules to ensure operators verify customers’ age and identity details quickly and robustly. Furthermore, in 2020, the Government and Commission provided further protections, including a ban on credit card gambling, making participation in the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP mandatory for online operators. For further information on GAMSTOP, please search: https://www.gamstop.co.uk/
Public Health England’s review of gambling-related harms did not find evidence that exposure to advertising is a risk factor for harmful gambling. However, gambling advertising can negatively affect some groups, such as those with gambling problems, and that some advertising can appeal to children. While rules are already in place to prevent this, the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) has recently implemented strengthened protections for adults vulnerable to gambling harm. A further announcement aimed at reducing the appeal of gambling adverts to children is also expected shortly.
The Government considers the Gambling Act 2005 to be an analogue law in a digital age and launched a review of the Act in 2020 to examine online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission. Protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and the necessity of extra protections for young adults are also being explored. Publication of the White Paper is expected imminently.
In preparing the Gambling White Paper, I understand the Government is giving full consideration to the impact of proposals, including on the
Horserace Betting Levy, and Ministers and officials have held regular meetings with both the British Horseracing Authority and the Gambling Commission. The White Paper, and any subsequent consultations, will include the necessary assessments of impacts. The Government has also committed to review the Horserace Betting Levy by 2024 to ensure the sport is suitably funded for the future. More broadly, the Government recognises the unique contribution that horseracing makes to the UK's sporting culture and in particular to the rural economy.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.