Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Gambling: Harmful Effects

Thursday 17 October 2024 · 5 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 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government committed to reviewing all available evidence on gambling harms
  • Government will update House soon on strategy regarding gambling issues
  • Government aware of fiscal costs and importance of gambling industry for UK economy

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Elaine Stewart Lab Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question arises from concerns about the harmful impact of gambling on communities.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to tackle the harmful effects of gambling. The Government are committed to reviewing all the available evidence and listening to first-hand constituency experience, such as that in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government are committed to reviewing all the available evidence and listening to first-hand constituency experience. We have a dedicated Minister for gambling, Baroness Twycross, who has met representatives across the industry and those affected by problem gambling to ensure robust policy in place.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed; no timelines or commitments given

How: Under Review

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Q2 Jim Dickson Lab Dartford
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question addresses the need for a levy to fund treatment and information for those affected by problem gambling.

Question

Are steps being taken to progress towards an independent statutory levy on the industry to fund gambling treatment and independent information? The Gambling Commission estimates that 2.5% of the population meet the threshold to be categorised as suffering from problem gambling.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

The Government are committed to reviewing all the available evidence and listening to first-hand constituency experience of Members. We will update the House soon on our strategy, and Baroness Twycross will discuss the issue with MPs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed; no timelines or commitments given

How: Under Review

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Q3 Elaine Stewart Lab Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock
Economy Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question focuses on the financial impact of gambling, particularly online gambling.

Question

Have the new Government considered the fiscal cost to society of gambling, especially online gambling? Financial resources are limited and there is a black hole left by the Conservative Government.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

We are very aware of the issues raised. We would be pleased to discuss them with my hon. Friend, ensuring robust protections in place, particularly for online gambling.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed; no timelines or commitments given

How: Under Review

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Q4 Nick Timothy Con West Suffolk
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question concerns reforms to the betting levy and affordability checks in the horseracing industry.

Question

What plans does she have to reform the betting levy and affordability checks? The Tote is headquartered in Wigan, giving her insight into the industry.

Answer from Lisa Nandy

There will be a debate on horseracing next Thursday in Westminster Hall. Baroness Twycross is having discussions with representatives from across the industry, and she would be delighted to discuss this with the hon. Member.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed; no timelines or commitments given

How: Under Review

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Q5 Luke Evans Con Hinckley and Bosworth
Culture, Media & Sport
Context

The question questions the Government's stance on supporting the gambling industry against a rumored tax raid.

Question

Can she clarify whether she supports the industry or the Treasury? A rumor of a £3 billion tax raid has already seen £3 billion wiped off the value of bookies. When will we see gambling reforms with a timetable?

Answer from Lisa Nandy

We cannot believe everything read in papers. The Government are determined to strike the right balance, aware of the value and importance of this industry for the UK economy and employment prospects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps not detailed; no timelines or commitments given

How: Under Review

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)