Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gambling-related Harms

Thursday 20 July 2023 · 3 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps have been taken through a White Paper to address gambling-related harms.
  • New guidance on loot boxes was published recently and will be monitored for a year.
  • Consultation on further gambling regulations will start soon, with implementation by summer next year.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from the MP's long-standing campaign on tackling gambling-related issues.

Question

I am concerned about the steps being taken to tackle gambling-related harms. With 55,000 young people aged 11 to 16 already classed as problem gamblers and tens of thousands more at risk, why are the Government neglecting future generations by failing to fulfil their commitment made in the 2019 Conservative party manifesto?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

We have taken significant steps through our White Paper to address gambling-related harms. We convened a technical working group for loot boxes, published new guidance this week and will monitor industry implementation closely over the next 12 months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about fulfilling manifesto commitments was not directly addressed

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Q2 Carolyn Harris Lab Neath and Swansea East
Crime & Law Enforcement Mental Health
Context

A Bill has passed all stages in the Lords that would get coroners to record information about deaths resulting from gambling debts, which could provide valuable data.

Question

We need better data on people taking their own lives due to gambling debts. The mentioned Bill cleared all its stages in the Lords and does not cost the Government anything. Will my right hon. Friend support this cross-Government so that we can have the necessary data?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

I will look at the issue raised, but detailed research could also contribute through the new statutory levy funding. The tragic consequences of gambling-related harm are highlighted.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting the Bill was not fully addressed

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Q3 Andrew Selous Con
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The government has been reviewing and consulting on gambling laws for three years, raising concerns about delays in implementing affordability checks and stake limits.

Question

Affordability checks and stake limits for online gambling are welcome but why do we need further consultation when the Government have already spent three years reviewing these laws? There should be no more unnecessary delays. What exactly has the government been doing all this time?

Answer from Stuart Andrew

We will follow due process to ensure the implementation of policies in the White Paper. Consultation will start soon, with everything set to be implemented by summer next year as promised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about unnecessary delays was not directly addressed

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