Labour continues online gambling assault with new proposals for spending limits
Deputy leader Tom Watson calls 2005 Gambling Act “completely unfit for the digital age”
The UK Labour Party has revealed plans to introduce online gambling spending limits as part of a raft of measures designed to combat problem gambling.
In a speech to be given at the Institute for Public Policy Research in London today (Thursday), Labour deputy leader Tom Watson will say a culture of limits needs to be introduced into the UK online gambling sector.
Watson claims operators have a responsibility to protect their customers from placing bets that they cannot afford. He added: “But too often, these operators have either neglected the care of their customers or have been too slow in their due diligence.”
To support the introduction of these limits, he confirmed Labour would amend the 2005 Gambling Act to create a new category specifically targeted at online betting.
In a stinging attack on current UK gambling laws, Watson called the 2005 Act “completely unfit for the digital age”.
“The 2005 Act was written so long ago it has more mentions of the postal service than the internet,” Watson said. “Whereas gambling in the offline world is highly regulated, the lack of controls on online gambling is leading to vulnerable consumers suffering huge losses.”
In addition to these limits, Watson will announce the launch of a consultation concerning the relationship between online gambling and video games, including the use of loot boxes.
Responding to the speech, the Remote Gambling Association said it wanted to avoid “arbitrary limits that risk driving customers to the unregulated and illegal gambling market”, favouring a more nuanced approach based on individual player behaviours.
However, the RGA said it supported proposals aimed towards affordability and “targeted intervention” to ensure that those at risk of harm are identified without restricting those who gamble responsibly.
Responding to Tom Watson’s speech, William Hill director of communications Ciaran O’Brien said problem gambling is a serious issue and that its ambition is that no one should be harmed by gambling.
“Innovation, data, collaboration and self-regulation have key roles to play in effectively tackling gambleing related harm. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to develop an appropriate framework for the long-term” O’Brien added.