GBGC: reshuffle uncertainty for UK gambling
Global Betting & Gaming Consultants reports on changes in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport,
Press release.- The UK governmental reshuffle has seen new ministers appointed in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DDCMS) at a crucial time for the sector.
Nadine Dorries replaced Oliver Dowden as the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
John Whittingdale was also removed as Minister for Media and Data, to be replaced by Julia Lopez.
The changes come just as the government is conducting its review of the Gambling Act 2005 and associated activities, such as the advertising of gambling services.
Whittingdale had responsibility for the review and the gambling sector had put some positive interpretation on his comments in a recent debate on the topic (22 July 2021).
It is not clear whether the new Minister for Media and Data will also have gambling under her remit.
A further iron in the fire is the news that the All-Party Betting and Gaming Group has launched an inquiry into the competence and effectiveness of the UK Gambling Commission. If warranted, the group could also submit its findings to the review of the Gambling Act 2005.
BGC welcomes Nadine Dorries
The gaming industry group, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), has welcomed Nadine Dorries’ appointment as the secretary of state for DCMS in the UK government’s cabinet reshuffle.
