DCMS Minister Calls for More Speed with White Paper Implementation

The Minister of State for the UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport has called for all terms within the 2023 Gambling White Paper to be implemented before the country has another gambling review.

The Gambling White Paper was one of the most significant publications in the history of gambling in the UK, setting out more than 60 proposals to update the country’s gambling laws.

Among the terms recommended were affordability checks, in an attempt to protect players spending a certain amount within a certain timeframe, improved identification checks, a statutory levy, and a cap on the maximum stakes on online slots at £5 for older adults and £2 for younger adults.

Some terms still waiting

While these measures among others have either been implemented or are in the process of being implemented, a number of terms are still to be rolled out. These include reform at land-based venues, including cashless payments on machines, which is still in the rollout phase, as well as the introduction of a gambling ombudsman, which is yet to come to fruition. Additionally, an enhanced financial risk assessment system remains under evaluation after the implementation of a pilot system.

“As quickly as possible”

Speaking at a House of Commons debate, Ian Murray MP, who is the Minister of State jointly for the DCMS as well as the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, stressed that while there is not currently a plan for another gambling review, there is a focus on getting these terms of the White Paper over the line before that could be a possibility.

Murray said: “We want to implement the recommendations in that White Paper. Obviously, it was the previous government’s initiative, but the recommendations were pretty powerful. We want them to be implemented as quickly as possible, but we also want to see them bedded in before there is another review of gambling.

“She [Brighton Pavilion MP Sian Berry] also talked about the gambling ombudsman, which will require primary legislation. We will bring forward those kinds of issues as and when we are able to do so.”

Balanced views

Murray provided balanced views on how regulation of land-based gambling should look going forward, recognising gambling’s importance in UK culture but also outlining that gambling harm is an important issue that must be recognised.

“The sector makes an important contribution to our national life, and we have heard about events such as the Grand National,” Murray said. “I know the importance of seaside arcades and bingo halls to communities across the country, and the joy that they bring to many millions of people.

“The reforms to gambling duties, including the abolition of bingo duty, announced in the autumn Budget, reflect the contributions of such venues to our economy and our local communities.

“In parallel, the Government recognise that harmful gambling can wreck the lives of individuals. We know that families and communities can be wrecked, which is why we are working with the land-based sector, the Gambling Commission and others to ensure that player-protection measures are effective and that people can gamble safely, while seeking effective help when that is needed.”

Local authorities

Murray also mentioned the government intends to provide additional powers to local communities, and stated: “All local authorities should publish a statement of principles on gambling licensing outlining local issues, priorities and risks. In those statements, licensing authorities can identify high-risk areas and specify local risks.”