Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gambling Review White Paper

Thursday 7 July 2022 · 10 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 9 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The review remains a priority for the Department, and a White Paper setting out conclusions and a vision for the sector will be published in the coming weeks.
  • The review was comprehensive and covered many of the areas mentioned by the Member, but no specific commitments or timelines were provided.
  • The issue of loot boxes is under review, with a focus on protecting children, but no specific commitments or meetings were announced.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Owen Thompson SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from the need for a comprehensive update on gambling regulations in light of recent technological advancements and societal concerns.

Question

What is her time-scale for publishing a gambling review white paper?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific timeline or detailed commitment on publishing the white paper

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Q2 Gerald Jones Lab Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The issue of preventing harm from gambling has been recognised as a public health concern, prompting calls for specific regulatory measures.

Question

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?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not confirm inclusion of specific reforms, only indicated coverage in the review

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Q3 Owen Thompson SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The regulation of loot boxes in video games is a concern due to their potential as a form of blind gambling.

Question

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?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to exploring loopholes or meeting with Blizzard

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Q4 Caroline Nokes Con Romsey and Southampton North
Children & Families
Context

There is concern that loot boxes can impact not just children but also other vulnerable groups.

Question

Will the Government take effective steps to close loopholes impacting all users, especially those with vulnerabilities?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The review will be comprehensive and evolving technology will continue to be monitored closely going forward, but no specific commitments were made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to taking concrete steps to address vulnerabilities

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Q5 Justin Tomlinson Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is a proposal to display the average return rate for five seconds at the start of play on fixed odds betting terminals.

Question

Would it be pragmatic to display average returns for five seconds at the beginning of play on FOBTs?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The point about targeting and informing users is important, but no specific commitment was made to implement the suggestion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to considering or implementing the suggestion

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Q6 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is concern that policy advisors with links to the gambling industry may have influenced the White Paper's content.

Question

Can the Minister assure the House that no advisers with gambling company ties attempted to influence the White Paper?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The extensive engagement with stakeholders during the review is acknowledged, but no specific assurance was given about avoiding industry influence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a direct assurance of independence from industry influence

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Q7 Laurence Robertson Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

There is ambiguity regarding who will be responsible for addressing affordability issues related to gambling.

Question

Will the White Paper clarify whether responsibility lies with the Government or the Gambling Commission?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

The Secretary of State is aware of the issue, but no specific clarification was provided on who will be responsible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not clarify responsibility for addressing affordability issues

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Q8 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The publication and content of the White Paper have been delayed, raising concerns about its effectiveness in addressing industry issues.

Question

Will the Government drop measures such as the gambling levy that would bring regulation into the digital age?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

No specific confirmation was given regarding dropping of measures or publishing content.

Not addressed: Did not confirm or deny any specifics about dropping measures or publishing content

How: Deflected Question To A General Statement

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Q9 Lucy Powell Labour (Co-op) Manchester Central
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The status of promised policy documents and actions before summer recess

How: Safe Standing, Commonwealth Games Delivery, Euro Success

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Q10 John Nicolson SNP
Culture, Media & Sport
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Nigel Huddleston

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Reforming legal charges on credit cards when Camelot is replaced

How: Constantly Review The Lottery, Significant Changes Over Time

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