- White Paper setting out reforms to industry expected to be published this week
- It is expected to introduce £2 limit young gamblers can place on online games
Ministers were last night urged not to cave in to the gambling lobby as long-awaited curbs to tackle addiction are finally set to be announced.
A White Paper setting out reforms to the betting industry is expected to be published this week, having first been promised in December 2020.
It is expected to introduce a £2 limit on the stakes which young gamblers can place on online games and impose a statutory tax on firms to fund addiction treatment.
However, campaigners fear there will not be a blanket ban on gambling advertising despite widespread public support for the proposal.
They are concerned at gambling firms’ efforts to get ministers to water down the plans as well as the hospitality lavished on backbenchers.
© Provided by Daily Mail A White Paper setting out reforms to the betting industry is expected to be published this week
This month Scott Benton was suspended as a Tory MP after he was caught offering to lobby for the industry in an undercover sting.
Matt Zarb-Cousin, director of Clean Up Gambling, said ministers ‘should disregard the fear-mongering from the betting lobby and publish a robust White Paper’.
Will Prochaska, strategy director for Gambling With Lives, said: The Mail has also fought for tighter rules and safeguards with the Stop The Gambling Predators campaign.
‘After several years, and many delays, the Government must release the white paper and show it hasn’t caved in to powerful industry lobbying.
‘Poll after poll shows the public wants to see strong reform, especially on gambling advertising.
‘If the industry is allowed to continue to sell harmful products as safe it won’t cut it with families.
‘Action that makes the most addictive products less harmful – such as reducing stake sizes and spin speeds – will be welcomed, but it must be meaningful if it’s to protect people.’
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport declined to comment.