The Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed the Labour Party’s UK election manifesto pledges on gambling – but insisted it is ready to work with the next government “whatever happens at the polls.”
Polls in the UK suggest Labour could form the next government and remove from power the Conservatives, who have led the country’s white paper changes from their inception.
Labour said in its manifesto ahead of the July 4 General Election that it is “committed to reducing gambling harm.”
“Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections,” it said.
“We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.”
BGC CEO and acting chair Michael Dugher said the trade association welcomes the party’s “commitment to continue working with the industry to further drive up standards.”
“The BGC and our members remain committed to working with the next government to continue to implement change as part of the evidence-based, proportionate, regulatory changes outlined in the white paper, ensuring those measures get the balance right between protecting the vulnerable, while allowing the vast majority of punters who enjoying betting responsibly to continue doing so without unnecessary intrusion,” he added.
The BGC noted it has treated Labour as a “government in waiting” by working closely in recent years with shadow ministers such as Stephanie Peacock, who could potentially take over from Stuart Andrews as the UK’s gambling minister if Labour are elected.
However, Dugher added the standards body will look to help advance the white paper “whatever happens at the polls,” with uncertainty remaining as to whether Labour could form a majority government.
Indeed, the Liberal Democrats have also published their election manifesto and have pledged to “combat the harms caused by problem gambling” by introducing the planned statutory levy.
Sir Ed Davey’s party will also look to restrict gambling advertising, establish the Gambling Ombudsman, implement the planned affordability checks and take “tough action against black market gambling.”
The last government was dissolved with the UK gambling industry awaiting finalised Department of Culture, Media and Sport plans for a statutory levy on gambling reform – the main upcoming area of government-led policy area in the white paper.
The next government will also work with the Gambling Commission at arm’s length. The regulator has confirmed the planned implementation of light-touch financial risk checks and a pilot of frictionless financial risk checks.
Further white paper policy changes already confirmed are online slot stake limits, set to come into force in September, changes to remote games design and updates to online gambling marketing and cross-selling.