Gambling.

Today the government is launching a review of gambling laws to ensure they are fit for the digital age – delivering on the Conservative manifesto commitment, and seeking to protect people from the risk of gambling-related harm.

  • Whilst millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age – and the industry has evolved at breakneck speed.
     
  • Hence the need for a major and wide-ranging review of gambling laws, examining how gambling has changed over the past 15 years. The findings will be used to inform any changes to the Gambling Act 2005, ensuring that customer protection is at the heart of the regulations. The government has also announced that the minimum age for playing the National Lottery will be raised from 16 to 18 from October 2021, helping to protect young people from gambling-related harm.
     
  • This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It will also help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.

Gambling is one of many things which can be a good servant but a bad master.

When people gamble money they can afford to lose, it is both a harmless entertainment and can also be a socially useful way of raising money for good causes. 

But there have for centuries been all too many cases of those for whom gambling became an addiction, leading them to stake money they could not afford to lose, often with dire financial consequences not just for themselves but for their families.

Hence we need gambling laws which are up to date with the way this multi-million pound industry operates, ensuring that it is fair, that those who wish to gamble responsibly can do so and in the process enable an industry employing thousands of people to operate, but protecting the vulnerable.

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