It appears we may have to wait a bit longer for the release of the UK government’s White Paper on gambling reform.
The much-delayed document is at Number 10 Downing Street for a final review. However, then came the government crisis in early July. That saw the resignation of Chris Philp (the minister leading the review) and then the Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Damian Collins is now the Minister with responsibility for the gambling review. With the parliamentary summer recess on its way and Johnson now the caretaker Prime Minister, no new government policies are due to be announced until Johnson’s replacement is in position.
A Conservative Party leadership election is underway but the new Prime Minister won’t be chosen until September 5.
It’s believed that there are senior ministers who oppose further regulations being placed on businesses. With no new Prime Minister until September 5, now seems not the time to release such an important document.
The new Prime Minister could even have different views on how the 2005 Gambling Act should be reformed. It’s felt that publishing the White Paper now would bind the new leader to reforms they had not overseen.
It was over two years ago that the review into the Gambling Act began. A mountain of evidence has been gathered since then. The White Paper was expected to be released towards the end of last year but the wait continues.
Outgoing Minister Chris Philp revealed that online casinos and slots were his main concerns re gambling addiction. In his resignation letter, he said the government should press on with this important legislation.
There have been plenty of rumours about what the White Paper will contain. A compulsory levy on gambling companies doesn’t seem to be included and that has upset campaigners who want strong measures introduced.
The banning of front-of-shirt sponsorship in football by gambling companies also looks unlikely. Later this month the Premier League are holding a vote on whether a ban should come into place. With Bournemouth and Everton both recently signing deals with gambling companies, that looks unlikely.
Possible measures could include a reduction in the maximum stakes at online casinos. A figure of between £2 and £5 has been suggested. Such a move would hit the finances of gambling companies.
There’s also talk of banning free bets (including those for horse racing betting promos) and some VIP packages for those players who are losing a lot of money. Increased affordability checks are another possible measure in the White Paper.
News of the delay hasn’t pleased Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith. The former party leader is disappointed with another delay. He’s already been threatening “war” if the proposals are watered-down.
“I had my concerns about what was in it (the White Paper), or what was not in it,” said the MP. Though he did say, “whatever it was would have been an advance.”
He’s in favour of a compulsory levy on gambling companies. His hope is that when a new Prime Minister is chosen, they can immediately focus on the White Paper. The MP added: “I’m not going away. I will keep fighting for reform.”
The delay doesn’t mean a suspension to reform in the gambling industry. The UK Gambling Commission will continue to become increasingly stricter. Also, the Advertising Standards Authority are banning the use of sports stars, social media influencers and reality TV stars in gambling advertisements from October.
