Ministers warned over ‘watered down’ gambling reforms

CAMPAIGNERS last night warned of a ‘shameful betrayal’ if ministers fail to bring in once in a generation gambling reforms.

The Daily Mail understands key measures to bring gambling legislation into the digital age have been watered down or ditched.

Ministers confirmed a white paper outlining the proposals will arrive ‘in the coming weeks’ – ending 18 months of delay. But government sources said a mandatory levy on betting companies – which would pay for vital gambling addiction treatment – had been dropped.

Two sources said gambling advertising will not be reined in, allowing wall-to-wall marketing on social media, TV and in sport.

A source told the Mail: ‘There are a few changes. I dare say campaigners won’t get everything they want. Hopefully they’ll see it for what it is: A reasonable balance.’

It comes after doctors this week warned of a surge in gambling addicts turning up to A&E – with figures showing a 42 per cent annual rise in demand for gambling clinics. There were 599 patients referred between April and September, compared to 421 patients last year. Of these, one in three have attempted suicide.

Carolyn Harris, Labour chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling-related harm, said: ‘A suicide every day, hundreds of thousands of families driven to destitution, and now talk of a white paper whitewash... This is a once in a generation chance to clean up gambling. Any failure to take it will be a shameful betrayal.’

A Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said: ‘We are determined to protect those most at risk of gambling-related harm. We are working to finalise details of a gambling white paper which will strengthen our regulatory framework to ensure it is fit for the digital age.’