The Guardian's Perspective on Gambling: Public Health Approach is a Good Bet
The Guardian's Perspective on Gambling: Public Health Approach is a Good Bet The previous government’s online harms bill notably left out internet gambling regulation, and so far, Labour’s plans for this fast-growing sector remain vague. But with the gambling industry's rapid expansion and mounting concerns over problem gambling in the UK and globally, ministers will face pressure to clarify their stance soon. In 2018, sports minister Tracey Crouch resigned after a delay in capping stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals. Now, six years later, the debate over capping stakes on digital slot machines remains unresolved, with last year's white paper on the issue put on hold. Plans to introduce a statutory levy on gambling businesses for funding research and treatment, as well as creating an industry ombudsman, are also pending. Even more troubling is the lack of a clear strategy to limit gambling advertising, which has become pervasive, especially in sports like football. Rese...