Betting industry bracing over new government consultation on gambling

01 Jan 2018

Licensing

Today the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has revealed proposals to ensure stronger protections for online gambling along with a responsible gambling advertising campaign led by the gambling industry.

The consultation seeks stakeholders’ view about striking the right balance between generating tax revenue, creating jobs and investment, and the social impact of a sharp rise in gambling problems, especially for addicts and their families.

According to Government’s statistics, online gambling now accounts for 44% of the commercial gambling sector, with 10% of adults across the country participating in it.
The move confirms the recent trend according to which the Government expects industry sectors to consider the wider societal implications of their business and come up with a stakeholder solution.

The consultation is part of a wider review of the betting industry, which was delayed because of the General Election. Among all the proposals, the main concern for the industry is the intention of reviewing the maximum stake in relation to B2 gaming machines (Fixed-Odds Betting Terminals), looking at options between £50 and £2. Local councils, the Church of England and many charities – with the support of the Labour Party and the Lib Dems – want it cut to £2 from its current level of £100, whilst betting firms warn thousands of shops would close as a result.

The DCMS has also confirmed that industry players would collaborate on a two-year responsible gambling advertising campaign, while the Committees of Advertising Practice would draw up new guidelines for the sector. The Gambling Commission is also expected to consult on changes to the Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice next year.

Cornerstone Barristers Licensing Team can help organisations and businesses to navigate the law and regulations that apply to gambling, and is able to provide the expertise to support those responding to this consultation. Please contact clerks@cornerstonebarristers.com for more information.