Gambling Harms 2025-04-03
2025-04-03
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Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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The MP referenced a case involving Luke, who developed a gambling addiction in 2018, relapsed during the pandemic, and tragically took his life. The inquest found that Betfair failed to act and issued a prevention of future deaths report.
I recently met the family of Luke, a devoted husband and father of two who developed a gambling addiction in 2018 and relapsed during the pandemic, tragically taking his own life. The inquest found that Betfair failed to act, issuing a prevention of future deaths report. In light of this tragic case and calls for reform on betting shops, will the Secretary of State set out what action the Government are taking to restrict gambling advertising and better protect people like Luke from gambling harms?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that serious issue and extending sincere condolences to Luke’s family. The Government believe advertising should be socially responsible, tasking the gambling industry with raising standards to ensure levels of gambling advertising do not exacerbate harm. We will continue to review evidence including tragic cases like Luke's.
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Q2
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A Gambling Commission report showed a 114% increase in problem gambling among young people aged 11 to 17 over one year.
A report by the Gambling Commission released in November 2024 showed that the proportion of young people between the ages of 11 and 17 experiencing problem gambling increased by 114% in just one year. Will the Secretary of State please outline the steps her Department is taking to prevent young people from becoming victims of problem gambling?
I share my hon. Friend’s view that there is clear evidence of particular problems for young people. The online slot stake limit will come into force on 9 April for the £5 limit and on 21 May for the £2 limit for younger adults, targeting those most at risk.
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Q3
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Gordon Moody, a charity providing treatment for gambling-related harm in Dudley, faces having to suspend its residential treatment due to government delays in distributing funds from the gambling levy.
The Minister for Civil Society knows about the fantastic work that Gordon Moody does at its Dudley treatment centre. However, Gordon Moody faces suspending its residential treatment because of the Government’s dithering over distributing funds from the gambling levy. Will she finally get a grip before other charities with expertise have to shut their doors?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising this issue. We are clear that we do not want any gaps in funding. The Minister for Civil Society and the Minister for Gambling have met representatives of industry to resolve this.
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Q4
Partial Answer
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The MP draws a distinction between betting on sport, which brings joy to many, and gaming based purely on chance.
Does the Secretary of State agree that there is a world of difference between betting on sport, which employs thousands and brings joy to millions, and gaming, which requires no skill or knowledge at all? Will she commit to treating the two differently in regulation and increasing the difference in the tax system?
I am not sure that I would share that characterisation but recognise we need to treat different forms differently. We are working on measures this summer to support land-based gambling in coastal towns and ensure bingo is protected.
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