William Eichler 27 April 2023

Gambling reforms ‘vague’, public health directors say

Gambling reforms ‘vague’, public health directors say image
Image: wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock.com.

The Government’s gambling reforms are ‘vague’ and ‘disappointing’, according to the representative body for directors of public health.

Announced today, the reforms include a mandatory levy on betting firms to pay for treatment of addiction, new player protection checks and stake limits for online slots.

The Gambling Commission will also be given extra powers to enable it to tackle black market operators through court orders and work with internet service providers (ISPs) to take down and block illegal gambling sites.

It is estimated that there are approximately 300,000 problem gamblers in the UK.

Culture secretary Lucy Frazer said: ‘We live in an age where people have a virtual mobile casino in their pockets. It has made gambling easier, quicker and often more fun, but when things go wrong it can see people lose thousands of pounds in a few swipes of the screen.

‘So we are stepping in to update the law for those most at risk of harm with a new levy on gambling operators to pay for treatment and education, player protection checks and new online slots stake limits.’

The Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) described today’s white paper on gambling reform as ‘vague’ and ‘disappointing’, and urged the Government to ‘up the ante’.

Greg Fell, ADPH vice president, said: ‘It is very disappointing that the Government has largely ignored the advice of public health experts in developing these proposals.

‘Instead of looking to target individual gamblers, we need to look at the role that society and the gambling industry is playing in causing gambling harm and taking steps to limit it.’

Mr Fell welcomed the extra powers for the Gambling Commission but said there was ‘still far too much dependency on the industry regulating its own activity, particularly with marketing.’

The gambling industry currently spends around £500 million every year on marketing.

Mr Fell continued: ‘The fact that children are being exposed on a daily basis to harmful gambling products, means that we are creating a society where people are increasingly engaging in activities that can have very real – and very harmful – consequences.

‘Today’s announcement does nothing to stop this happening. What’s needed is a comprehensive ban on all forms of marketing across multiple media and community channels.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner