Labour reveals plans to tackle problem gambling ‘emergency’
LABOUR PLANS to outlaw inplay betting ads, with a “whistleto-whistle” ban on TV and online gambling promotions during live sport events.
The proposal forms part of a radical overhaul of gambling regulation unveiled by deputy leader Tom Watson following a yearlong review.
Branding problem gambling “a public health emergency”, Mr Watson said that Labour’s next manifesto will include the ban, as well as proposals for a ban on credit card betting.
The document also includes new rules to allow addicts to tell their banks to block online gambling transactions.
Mr Watson also repeated Labour’s call for Premier League football clubs to end sponsorship deals with gambling firms, and pledged legislation if they do not act voluntarily.
In-play betting has become an increasingly prominent part of the gambling scene in recent years, with TV ads in the run-up to games and during half-time urging punters to place wagers on the next goalscorer or the final result.
Labour’s review uncovered concerns that, with instant online betting now widely available via smartphones, the ads may present a risk to gambling addicts, young people and those with mental health problems.
Research by Goldsmiths University’s Professor Rachel Cassidy estimated that gambling advertising increased six-fold between 2007 and 2013. And recent analysis found that 17 per cent of all adverts during the football World Cup in Russia were for gambling.
Mr Watson said: “Problem gambling is Britain’s hidden epidemic and we must treat it as a public health emergency.
“Current gambling regulation is not up to the job of protecting addicts and those at risk of addiction. Treatment is patchy across the country and too often patients are misdiagnosed and not treated by specialists who can spot the signs of gambling addiction. Gambling companies have to take more responsibility for harm caused by their products and contribute more to research and treatment.”