An MP has called for a Government review of a mandatory levy which could raise significantly more money for research purposes into the effects of gambling addiction as well as funding gambling addiction support services.

Speaking in the House of Commons on Wednesday, Richard Graham MP also pointed out that while the gambling industry rakes in gross profits of £14 billion, it contributes just £9 million towards funding for gambling addiction services. That’s just 0.06% of its gross profits.

He also called for all betting adverts to be banned form live sports coverage, amidst fears that young people are increasingly at risk from spiraling gambling debts.

Gambling (Industry Levy Review And Protections For Vulnerable People) Bill

Mr Graham’s Ten-Minute Rule Motion was heard by the House of Commons on Wednesday 24 April and the Gambling (Industry Levy Review And Protections For Vulnerable People) Bill is now set for a Second Reading on May 10.

Introducing his Bill, Mr Graham said: “The Gambling Commission should consider banning gambling advertising during live sports altogether.”

He also asked “Will it be the tobacco of this generation? Something that once was widely advertised, then restricted and now banned from advertising altogether.”

Lives destroyed by gambling

The damage of gambling addiction is well documented. In extreme cases, gambling addiction has been linked with suicide. Mr Graham added “will those damaged or even killed by gambling be our legacy? Or is this our chance to get the balance right between funding sport, using technology and having the right protections to prevent tragedy?”

Mr Graham also said that “even one life destroyed by gambling is too many and the depressing this is that we simply do not know how many people have committed suicide form gambling.”

Problem gambling epidemic

The latest figures from the Gambling Commission suggest there are 450,000 children aged between 11-16 who bet on a regular basis, while 55,000 children are classed as problem gamblers. This compares with 2017, where it was estimated that there were 370,000 young people aged 11-16 gambling on a weekly basis.

CARE’s response

We wholeheartedly support a mandatory levy on gambling firms to ensure they pay their fair share towards funding gambling addiction services. There is no doubt the current voluntary deal is simply not working. The regulator currently requires a voluntary levy, which raises around £9 million a year. But that’s a tiny amount compared with the £14 billion gross profits the industry makes. In fact, it’s a mere 0.06% of gambling industry profits going towards funding gambling addiction services.

We also support a ban on betting ads around live sporting events. Anyone watching the recent World Cup could not fail to notice how we were bombarded with gambling ads well before the 9pm watershed. While for some, gambling remains harmless fun, for a significant minority it causes devastation. Lives are being ruined and it’s up to all of us to act, before the situation gets any worse.

Find out more

Read Mr Graham’s full speech here

On 1 April, the maximum stake on highly addictive FOBTs was slashed from £100 to just £2, something CARE called for years ago

Follow the latest news on our ongoing work around gambling policy here