Press release: For immediate release, 15.02.22

Betting companies operating in Northern Ireland should be made legally responsible for the welfare of their customers, campaigners say.

CARE is calling for a legal duty of care to apply to gambling companies, alongside other new regulatory measures.

MLAs are due to debate amendments to the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries, and Amusement (Amendments) Bill today, including:

• A proposed code of practice underpinned by a legal duty of care
• A proposed levy on gambling companies of 1 per cent annual takings

If the legal duty of care was to be agreed, it would be the first measure of its kind in the United Kingdom.

A spokesperson for CARE commented:

“CARE believes the current legislative and policy framework in place in Northern Ireland is fundamentally flawed. It is failing our society and especially those who are vulnerable to gambling-related harm.

“This Bill represents the first major change in NI since the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order became law in 1985. As currently drafted, it fails to advance meaningful protection.

“We are calling for a suite of measures to bring gambling regulation in NI into the 21^st century. We believe legislators should impose a duty of care on companies. This would allow civil actions to be brought against those that fail to safeguard customers.

“CARE is also calling for a statutory levy on companies. The monies recouped from this can be invested in services that help people whose lives have been ravaged by addiction, and their families.

“We need independent regulation to suit NI’s situation. We need a wide levy on betting companies. We need action to target online betting, advertising, and FOBTs. And much more besides.

“Gambling is devastating tens-of-thousands of lives. It is right that those reaping profits from harm take responsibility for their actions. Our laws should no longer pander to the interests of companies that put profit before people.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Read a CARE briefing on the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Amendment) Bill:

Briefing on Bill

CARE’s work on gambling

CARE was among the first policy charities to support legislation to curb the maximum stake on highly addictive FOBTs in Great Britain, a campaign which ultimately succeeded when the curb was introduced.

It was instrumental in seeing GAMSTOP set up, a one-stop multi-site exclusion tool. It also submitted a comprehensive response to the UK Govt's review of gambling laws based upon more than a decade of experience in this policy arena.

To arrange an interview, contact Jamie Gillies: Jamie.gillies@care.org.uk