Gambling reform plans announced today constitute more “dither and delay” affecting the most-vulnerable, CARE has said.

A government white paper sets out proposed changes to Britain’s betting laws, after several hold-ups spanning different administrations.

But key measures outlined in the document are being put out for consultation, which means yet more delays before concrete change.

Commenting on the white paper Louise Davies, Director of Advocacy and Policy at CARE, said:

“After years of disappointment relating to this white paper it is galling to learn of more dither and delay from the government.

"The abuses of the gambling industry and the scale of gambling-related harms in Britain are crystal clear. There is no need for further consultation on measures that are broadly supported such as a statutory levy and affordability checks. We need legislation. Ministers are delaying the legislative process that follows a white paper and leads to action.

“It is not an overstatement to say that people’s lives depend on reform. Unless we see truly bold action to defend vulnerable punters, and rules that reign in the behemoth of big betting, Brits will continue to suffer terribly. With further delay families of the bereaved and people locked in the teeth of addiction have been snubbed yet again.

“The government must consider whether it is content to go down in history as an administration that could have confronted abuses and protected vulnerable people but didn’t because of the protestations of a greed-driven industry, or senseless procrastination. As it stands, this is the legacy ministers are building.”

New measures

CARE is calling for various measures to tackle gambling harms and bring accountability to the gambling industry, including:

• A 5 percent levy on gambling companies’ profits to fund help for problem gamblers.
• An end to gambling advertising and sponsorship at or during football matches
• Robust affordability checks to prevent problem gamblers incurring huge losses.
• An end to controversial ‘VIP’ offers that target people at risk of addiction.

Notes for editors

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) provides social policy analysis from a Christian perspective. It is spearheading calls for gambling reform at Westminster and has worked closely with members of the NI Assembly to strengthen gambling regulation in NI. To request an interview, contact: press@care.org.uk