Gambling-Related Harm APPG: White paper review contains “weak proposals”
Cross-party body to launch inquiry and plans to hold UK government to account as white paper recommendations head into next phase
The Gambling-Related Harm All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) has launched an inquiry into what the body has labelled “relatively weak” proposals from the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review.
Explaining the purpose of the inquiry, the APPG said it plans on ensuring all reforms are conducted quickly by the UK government while also holding them to account.
In a statement, the government was warned that the APPG will continue to investigate areas of potential harm, as well as anything not specified in the review.
The group said: “The APPG will also continue to scrutinise further areas of potential harm, including those not included within the remit of the white paper, such as the operation of the National Lottery and the emergence of new forms of gambling.”
Over the next few weeks, the APPG will not only conduct oral evidence sessions but are welcoming evidence and suggestions until 11 July to help formulate ideas and questions to be put to the government.
Some of those include how affordability checks should be operated, how should an ombudsman be implemented and administered and what are the best ways to protect young children and people from gambling advertising.
The APPG also made it clear that more work needed to be done and hit out at some of the lacklustre proposals.
The APPG added: “We were also disappointed to see the relatively weak proposals set out on restrictions to gambling advertising including for white label and affiliate products. Much more must be done on advertising to protect children and young people.”
Carolyn Harris, the chair of the APPG, added: “Whilst we entirely welcome many of the proposals set out in the white paper, and are pleased the government has listened to our calls for reform, there is clearly more work to be done.
“The APPG will now seek to inform the government with further evidence and analysis during the important consultation phase, and ensure that measures and commitments made, that will help save lives, are implemented as a priority,” she added.