Gambling Review White Paper 2022-07-07
2022-07-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need for a comprehensive update on gambling regulations in light of recent technological advancements and societal concerns.
What is her time-scale for publishing a gambling review white paper?
The review remains a priority for the Department, and we will publish a White Paper setting out conclusions and a vision for the sector in the coming weeks.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific timeline or detailed commitment on publishing the white paper
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of preventing harm from gambling has been recognised as a public health concern, prompting calls for specific regulatory measures.
Will key public health-based reforms such as smart statutory levy, online stake limits, affordability assessment and controls on advertising be included in the White Paper?
The review was comprehensive and covered many of those areas mentioned. However, he asked for patience as a response is due to come out in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm inclusion of specific reforms, only indicated coverage in the review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The regulation of loot boxes in video games is a concern due to their potential as a form of blind gambling.
Will the Minister commit to exploring in the review how to close loopholes like Diablo Immortal's “rift” feature, and will the Department meet with Blizzard?
The issue of loot boxes is under review and protecting children from such practices is front and centre, but no specific commitments or meetings were announced.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to exploring loopholes or meeting with Blizzard
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern that loot boxes can impact not just children but also other vulnerable groups.
Will the Government take effective steps to close loopholes impacting all users, especially those with vulnerabilities?
The review will be comprehensive and evolving technology will continue to be monitored closely going forward, but no specific commitments were made.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to taking concrete steps to address vulnerabilities
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a proposal to display the average return rate for five seconds at the start of play on fixed odds betting terminals.
Would it be pragmatic to display average returns for five seconds at the beginning of play on FOBTs?
The point about targeting and informing users is important, but no specific commitment was made to implement the suggestion.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to considering or implementing the suggestion
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
There is concern that policy advisors with links to the gambling industry may have influenced the White Paper's content.
Can the Minister assure the House that no advisers with gambling company ties attempted to influence the White Paper?
The extensive engagement with stakeholders during the review is acknowledged, but no specific assurance was given about avoiding industry influence.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a direct assurance of independence from industry influence
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
There is ambiguity regarding who will be responsible for addressing affordability issues related to gambling.
Will the White Paper clarify whether responsibility lies with the Government or the Gambling Commission?
The Secretary of State is aware of the issue, but no specific clarification was provided on who will be responsible.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not clarify responsibility for addressing affordability issues
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The publication and content of the White Paper have been delayed, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing industry issues.
Will the Government drop measures such as the gambling levy that would bring regulation into the digital age?
No specific confirmation was given regarding dropping of measures or publishing content.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm or deny any specifics about dropping measures or publishing content
Deflected Question To A General Statement
Response accuracy
Q9
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member for Manchester Central is concerned about the delay in implementing several government promises, including a White Paper on gambling regulation and other key legislation. There are also vacant ministerial posts causing parliamentary business delays.
We now know from the former gambling Minister that the White Paper is with No. 10 for sign-off. We have been promised the media Bill, football regulation review, women's football funding review, BBC future funding review, and a data Bill—all before summer recess. How is that going? The truth is there's chaos, paralysis, and total Government collapse.
I hope the hon. Lady will wait to respond to the gambling review. I appreciate her giving a comprehensive list of all the Government's manifesto commitments on which we are delivering, including safe standing, Commonwealth games delivery, and Euro success.
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Assessment & feedback
The status of promised policy documents and actions before summer recess
Safe Standing
Commonwealth Games Delivery
Euro Success
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The hon. Member is concerned about legal practices surrounding the use of credit cards to purchase lottery tickets, which can lead to significant debts for some individuals.
In what could be our last exchange across the Dispatch Box, I recognise that the Secretary of State cannot bind her successor's hands, but as we move away from post-truth politics and culture wars, perhaps she can leave doing some good. The lottery is a gambling addiction for many. Tickets can be charged legally to credit cards, building up huge debts. When Camelot is replaced, can this practice be reformed?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for drawing attention to the fact that we constantly review the lottery, making significant changes over time such as age limits and use of credit cards if the ticket is bought with other shopping.
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Assessment & feedback
Reforming legal charges on credit cards when Camelot is replaced
Constantly Review The Lottery
Significant Changes Over Time
Response accuracy