DCMS prepares “coherent package” of regulations amid Gambling Act 2005 review

The UK government will aim to deliver a holistic “coherent package” of new regulations which will apply to both online and land-based gambling operators, according to Minister for Media and Data John Whittingdale. Speaking at a special parliamentary debate into the Gambling Act 2005 review, the minister affirmed the government has a “very simple” vision for reforming the sector focused on up-to-date legislation and the creation of a strong gambling regulator. “It has become clear that we need to take a holistic approach to gambling reform, recognising where parallels apply across sectors and issues that have traditionally been thought of as entirely distinct,” Whittingdale told MPs. “We need to design a coherent package that is flexible enough to respond to future changes and innovation. That is certainly something we need to bear in mind,” he added. Whittingdale confirmed the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) had received more than 16,000 responses to its initial consultation on the review, which closed in April. The minister claimed the overwhelming desire of the government was to strike a balance in protecting consumers, while not restricting or penalising them. “It is very important that we create a safe space where people are given protection if they are gambling online, but we do not want to drive them away from the regulated sector and into the black market,” Whittingdale revealed. “We are looking at whether further controls for play online would be effective in preventing gambling harm, including whether greater controls are needed at account or product level,” he added. Affordability controls remain part of the debate, with the MP confirming that any subsequent checks introduced by the Gambling Commission (UKGC) would have to “harmonise” with the government’s own view of affordability changes. Whittingdale further revealed DCMS is scrutinising the power and performance of the UKGC, which he suggested is undergoing a “reboot” following the March departure of former CEO Neil McArthur. The regulator has come under heavy criticism over its conduct in relation to Football Index parent company BetIndex, but has repeatedly defended its record in granting a licence and conducting ongoing reviews of the business. A full parliamentary inquiry into the collapse of Football Index was convened in April.