DCMS asks wider industry to match largest UK bookmakers’ RG pledge
Government does not rule out statutory levy but says it would take over a year to come into force
UK Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright has called on the wider UK gambling sector to step up its responsible gambling contributions after the politician welcomed the UK’s five biggest bookmakers’ RG funding package as being a “significant step forward”.
In a parliamentary statement earlier today, Wright said the operators would be held to their financial commitments and that the government “expects the rest of the industry to match them”.
Wright’s statement follows a £60m funding pledge made by bet365, Flutter Entertainment, GVC Holdings, Sky Betting & Gaming and William Hill to provide additional funds and commitments to tackle problem gambling.
The Culture Secretary commended the five operators, reaffirming the government’s commitment to a healthy gambling industry that makes an important contribution to the UK economy, but called on the industry to do “all that it can” to protect players.
https://twitter.com/DCMS_SecOfState/status/1146059599050448896
Wright said the DCMS and Gambling Commission would hold the bookmakers to account, ensuring that their voluntary commitments were followed up.
Acknowledging the other commitments made in areas of transparency, advertising and data sharing, Wright said it was reasonable for “the biggest companies with the largest reach and the most resources to do more and show leadership”.
“But the industry as a whole needs to engage in tackling problem gambling, and we want other firms to look at what they can also do to step up,” Wright added.
Several members of parliament, including Conservative party leadership contender Matt Hancock have called for the implementation of a mandatory levy on operators to fund the treatment and support of problem gambling.
Sportpesa who sponsor Everton and Fun88 (Newcastle) gave £50 each last year to fight gambling addiction; Best Bets gave £5; GFM just £1. That is deliberately insulting to 430k gambling addicts, inc 55k children. That's why we need a 1% mandatory levy not a voluntary patch. pic.twitter.com/IVwaUtVF4e
— Tom Watson (@tom_watson) July 2, 2019
Wright acknowledged these calls but said developing the legislation required to implement the levy would “in all likelihood take more than a year to complete”, whereas the funding package announced today would provide funding this year.
However, Wright said the government reserved the right to “pursue a mandatory route to funding” if a voluntary one proved to be ineffective.