The Gaming and Gambling Council (BGC) has urged lawmakers to consider the impact on the broader industry as they consider their gambling law review white paper.
BGC CEO Michael Duggar spoke at a committee session of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) on July 11.
Mr Duggar said in his opening statement that the “voice” of the UK’s occasional bettors was “sometimes lost” through the process of preparing and implementing the white paper.
“I would like to start by talking about a group of people whose voices have been lost at times throughout this white paper process,” he said. “And that’s 22.5 million people who enjoy betting on a regular basis.
“They are also people who work hard, pay taxes, take care of their families, and that’s what they choose to do with their money.”
BGC also stressed during the session that there was “no evidence” of a link between sports betting advertising and problem gambling.
Wes Himes, executive director of standards and innovation at BGC, who also attended the session, said the incidence of gambling problems has actually declined in recent years.
“they [problem gambling rates] It has almost halved since 2017 and is now at 0.3%, placing it among the lowest rates of problem gambling internationally.
“So while the enjoyment of the product increased, the incidence of gambling problems also decreased at the same time.”
Meaning of the white paper
BGC also commented on certain sections of the white paper, specifically asking DCMS to expedite its casino modernization plans.
Duggar said casinos need “access to some of the liberalization and modernization measures that could help save some businesses and help some grow.”
When the white paper was published in April, BGC hailed it as a “once-in-a-generation moment of change.” The Agency will work with the Government and the UK Gambling Commission to ensure that the White Paper’s recommendations are implemented.
