For many, gambling can be fun but I recognise that, for others, it can become a serious problem. While we all want a healthy gambling industry that makes an important economic contribution, 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, and new guidance for operators to identify customers who may have been at heightened risk during the pandemic. 

For further information on GAMSTOP, please search: https://www.gamstop.co.uk/

I am delighted that the Government recognises that the Gambling Act 2005 is an analogue law in a digital age. A review of the act was launched in 2020 and examines online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission. Furthermore, protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed are also being explored. I understand that the Government aims to set out its findings in a White Paper in due course.

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.

I appreciate your concerns over the impact of the Gambling Commission’s consultation, specifically in regard to affordability checks. I want to stress that the proposals focused on more prescriptive requirements for operators to identify and intervene with customers who may be at risk of harm. This included a specific process for assessing affordability and particular consideration will be given to the spending/loss threshold at which it might be proportionate to require operators to complete affordability checks.

The Gambling Commission's report can be found online at: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/strategy/raising-standards-for-consumers-compliance-and-enforcement-report-2019-20/triggers-and-customer-affordability.

As you will see, in response to evidence showing some gamblers may be at greater risk of harm during lockdown, the Commission published new guidance for online operators to help reduce the risk of harm in these unprecedented circumstances.

You may also welcome that the Government committed to striking the right balance between freedom of choice and protection from harm while reviewing the Gambling Act 2005. I will be sure to scrutinise whether this commitment has been delivered on when the Government sets out its findings in due course.