Statement from Robbie Butler MLA, Chair, All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling

This statement was originally given to Belfast Live

“Northern Ireland has the highest incidence of problem gambling in the UK, four times higher than in Great Britain and three times that of the Republic of Ireland.

The Assembly All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling brings together MLAs from across the political spectrum to address the damage gambling can do in our community.

While we recognise that for many gambling can be fun and a way to socialise, it can adversely impact the health and wellbeing of individuals and families.

One of our first tasks will be to hold an inquiry into how we need to reform Northern Ireland’s obsolete gambling legislation.  Mobile communications mean that almost everyone  has instant access to online gambling. However, this aspect of the industry is largely unregulated as the relevant legislation – the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 – pre-dates the internet. 

It was also drawn-up before the advent of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, regarded by addiction campaigners as the crack cocaine of gambling.

Elements of the gambling industry have been quick to exploit new technology. The regulations designed to protect gamblers from harm has not.  Collectively we want to make sure that new legislation in Northern Ireland is fit for purpose and protects the vulnerable. Gambling addiction doesn’t just cost money, it costs lives. It is estimated that gambling addicts are three times more likely to take their lives than other types of addict.

A consultation on gambling law reform closed in February. We want to progress and further this work, not merely by copying legislation in England and Wales, which itself has been criticised for being too weak, but to consider going further if the evidence supports this.

We are currently working on terms of reference for our inquiry, the dates of evidence sessions and the witnesses we will be inviting to give evidence.

Our members come from different political traditions. But what we all have in common is a steely determination to protect the vulnerable and ensure that Northern Ireland has effective legislation and appropriate support to  protect people from gambling-related harms which can have such a corrosive impact on individuals, their families and their communities.“