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Gambling: Regulatory Reform
02 December 2025
Lead MP
Charlie Maynard
Witney
LD
Responding Minister
Ian Murray
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Word Count: 11895
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
Charlie Maynard raised concerns about gambling: regulatory reform in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
First, limit the impact of gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship, especially for children and young people; secondly, establish a statutory independent gambling ombudsman with real power as recommended in the 2023 White Paper on reforming gambling; thirdly, review and implement the relevant commitments in the same White Paper to strengthen local authority discretion in licensing frameworks.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
There is clear evidence that current regulation of the gambling industry is not adequate to protect people from harm, including children and young people. Figures published by the Gambling Commission in October showed that 1.4 million people in Britain have a gambling problem, with rates twice as high in more deprived communities compared to well-off areas. Recent data also shows that harms caused by gambling are increasingly affecting children, with significant increases between 2023 and 2024.
Anna Sabine
LD
Frome and East Somerset
Reforms are needed to address the risks and harms of gambling, which cost the economy £1.4 billion a year and impose significant mental health consequences, including up to 400 gambling-related suicides annually.
Tewkesbury
Emphasises the need to distinguish between legitimate horseracing operations and harmful online gambling firms, advocating for measures that protect vulnerable individuals while not harming the regulated industry.
Charlie Maynard
Con
Newbury
Acknowledged the balanced debate on gambling, thanked MPs for their contributions, and highlighted the need to balance fun and potential harm of gambling.
Beccy Cooper
Lab
Worthing West
Welcomes the Government's Budget announcements on increasing remote gaming duty but calls for more comprehensive action to address the broader societal and economic costs of gambling-related harms.
Gareth Snell
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Discussed voluntary measures by the industry and mentioned sponsorship bans for football teams. Asked about the contingency plan for sectors reliant on gambling sponsorship if companies withdraw their support. Pressed the Minister on monitoring movement towards the unregulated market, expressing concern about people moving from regulated to illegal sectors.
Ian Murray
Lab
Oldham West and Royton
Discussed ongoing discussions with the gambling industry and monitoring of sponsorship impacts, especially in horseracing. Discussed the Budget's £26 million for the Gambling Commission to tackle illegal markets and mentioned legislative moves with the Crime and Policing Bill. The hon. Member was grateful for the opportunity to intervene and discussed the gambling ombudsman, stating that primary legislation would be required and work on this is ongoing.
Jim Dickson
Lab
Dartford
Raises concerns about the men’s health strategy and the need for better regulation to disincentivise harmful forms of gambling, advocating for children's protection from gambling advertising.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shares personal stories highlighting the severe consequences of gambling addiction, emphasising the need for legislation to change and support Northern Ireland in advancing gambling-related harm reduction measures.
French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
Mentioned family members involved in gambling, highlighting the impact on individuals.
Louie French
Con
Old Bexley and Sidcup
The Chancellor's decision on remote gaming duty was ideological and could fuel the black market while jeopardising jobs in the regulated sector. More than 22 million people safely enjoy gambling each month.
Chingford and Woodford Green
Asked if a gambling ombudsman should be set up as one of the first acts for the Government, suggesting it would check that all elements are being dealt with at the same time.
Government Response
Ian Murray
The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts
Government Response
The Minister thanked the hon. Member for Witney for securing the debate and acknowledged the balanced presentation of the case involving both the gambling industry and the harms it causes. He did not provide specific commitments or responses to the detailed questions raised by the MP. Introduced a £2 online slots stake limit for 18 to 24-year-olds and a £5 limit for those aged 25 and over. Announced that the statutory levy has raised just under £120 million so far, which will be used to address gambling-related harm across the UK. Emphasised ongoing work with tech platforms and other Government departments to tackle illegal advertising aimed at children and vulnerable individuals. Announced modernising measures including casino licensing reforms and consultations on stakes and prizes for low-risk machines. Mentions abolition of bingo duty to support local communities. Emphasised consumer protection in adult gaming centres with no deregulation without improved safeguards. Discussed cumulative impact assessments for gambling licensing to empower local authorities. Addressed concerns about sponsorship withdrawal by sectors reliant on gambling industry, noting monitoring and contingency plans. Discussed measures introduced in support of the gambling sector, allocated £26 million to the Gambling Commission over three years, and emphasised the importance of evaluating reforms properly.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.