APG welcomes major UK Government review of gambling regulation
The Northern Ireland Assembly All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling has welcomed today’s announcement from the UK Culture Secretary of a major review into Britain’s gambling laws.
The wide-ranging review will include:
National Lottery minimum age raised to 18 to protect young people
Online stake limits, gambling advertising and age limits to be considered
Gambling Commission’s role and powers will also be looked at
APG Chair Robbie Butler MLA welcomed the review, saying: “Having recently launched our inquiry into gambling harm, it's clear that major changes are also needed here in NI. It’s encouraging to see the Government at Westminster taking this issue so seriously. We as APG members are part of a growing movement looking to turn the tide on gambling harms that for too long have gone unnoticed and unaddressed.”
“The Culture Secretary was right to say the gambling industry has ‘evolved at breakneck speed’. Meanwhile our laws here and in GB are lagging way behind. What we’re seeing now is individuals and families struggling to cope with the problems this has caused with minimal regulation or treatment to protect them. That has to change.”
On Thursday, the APG inquiry will hear from health and social care groups on existing treatment and prevention measures in NI. In the new year it will examine the benefits of a public health approach to gambling.
Mr Butler said: What we really need is a cross-departmental approach. When it comes to tobacco or junk food, our children are informed about the risks in school and our health service is fully involved in prevention and treatment. Why should gambling be any different?”
The APG will present a final report to the Northern Ireland Executive in the summer.
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For further information please contact secretariat@gamharmapg.org