Assembly passes motion on supporting a public health approach to tackling gambling-related harms

We were delighted that the Assembly passed a cross-party Private Members’ Motion tabled by members of the APG on 28 January, urgently calling for a public health approach to tackling gambling-related harms. The debate saw several brilliant contributions from MLAs representing all seven parties at Stormont, and covered a wide range of topics. These ranged from the need for an integrated, regional public health-focused strategy to tackle gambling harms and the commissioning of specific treatment services, to the dangers posed to children and young people by pervasive gambling marketing.

APG Chair Philip McGuigan MLA highlighted the worrying scale of the problem in NI, underpinning the APG’s call for a public health approach. Latest figures show that 2.3% of the population or 40,000 people experience gambling harm, a figure higher than any other jurisdiction on these islands. He noted that despite this high rate of harm, there are no statutory treatment services for people with gambling disorders here, and the regulations are “falling further and further behind the increasingly sophisticated gambling industry”.

Responding to the debate, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt acknowledged the clear evidence that gambling can be harmful to health. He committed to review policy options following the APG’s latest inquiry’s recommendations. However, he said he was awaiting the publication of updated evidence and data to understand the current scale of gambling harm in NI, upon which he could base policy decisions and consider commissioning treatment services. This will hopefully include the long-awaited publication of the latest Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey by the Department for Communities. Results of the survey are expected in the Spring, according to the Communities Minister.

Meanwhile, earlier that day the Assembly approved an Order raising land-based gaming stakes and prize limits to bring them into line with the rest of the UK. Several members voiced significant concerns about raising the stake and prize limits in NI, given the scale of harm here is significantly higher than the rest of the UK. The TUV’s Timothy Gaston MLA, highlighted the absurdity that NI was being brought into line with industry standards in GB, despite not being afforded the same protections from gambling harm as those in GB. He underlined that whilst the rates and regulations in GB are operating in the context of the protection afforded by the Gambling Commission and the new gambling levy, NI is not being afforded these same protections.

While the regulation of gambling is devolved to Stormont, there has been no significant NI legislation on gambling since 1985. The Communities Minister has indicated that he will be unable to bring forward new legislation before the end of the current mandate in 2027. The APG continues to call on the NI Executive to take all possible steps to reduce harm related to gambling.