UK Lords renew call for more gambling reforms
A debate in the House of Lords heard proposals for more measures intended to reduce the impact of gambling on young people.
UK.- A debate in the House of Lords has raised calls for more reforms to target gambling harm among younger audiences. Peers argued that existing protections fail to address the rise of online gaming, high‑intensity products and targeted marketing.
Members suggested that young people are being exposed to gambling‑like mechanics earlier and more frequently than before, citing digital environments that blur the line between gaming and gambling like video game loot boxes, social casino games and esports betting. The former exist outside of gambling regulation, but speakers argued that they familiarise young people with gambling-like behaviour, potentially laying a pathway into fully fledged gambling for money.
Speakers raised concerns that the current licensing framework under the 2005 Gambling Act does not adequately reflect today’s easy access to online casinos as well as the speed and personalisation of online products. They urged the government to introduce tougher, stricter age‑verification rules and affordability checks as well as tougher rules against game design or marketing that disproportionately appeals to younger users.
Peers also argued that gambling operators’ licence conditions should include clearer requirements to share data with the Gambling Commission and with researchers. They should also be required to show how they identify risky behaviour and how they intervene when it’s identified, speakers said.
There were differences of opinion on how soon the reforms should be introduced, but the Lords generally agreed that further reforms were needed as the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the Gambling Commission approach the end of the implementation of the 2023 Gambling White Paper published on the back of the review of the 2005 legislation.
Last month, gambling minister Baroness Twycross rejected proposed amendments to the Sports Events Bill. from the Liberal Democrat peer Baron Don Foster of Bath that would have banned gambling sponsorship and adverts in British sport. However, the latest debate shows that members of the House of Lords are likely to keep pressing for new gambling reforms.
Some believe that new prime minister Andy Burnham could be more likely to support such calls given his previous backing of reforms and devolved powers. He’s already announced a policy that will increase business rates for gaming halls.
