Conservative peer calls for GambleAware to be replaced

Conservative peer Lord Chadlington has called for the creation of a new independent body to replace GambleAware, citing concerns over its independence from the UK gambling industry.

In an op-ed published on the Politicshome website, Chadlington said: “There is a strong case for an overhaul of existing government and quasi-government bodies involved in gambling supervision. There may be a need for establishing a new, independent body with a clear remit, supported by all political parties.”

Chadlington, who has been a Conservative member of the House of Lords since 1996, also voiced his support for the so-called “whistle-to-whistle” advertising ban proposed by Labour party deputy leader Tom Watson claiming that the “tobacco advertising ban in 1965 saved lives. We need to take equally bold action to tackle gambling-related harm.”

Last month, the Labour party unveiled proposals to ban gambling during sporting events along with several other measures designed to curtail the spread of problem gambling in the UK, including a mandatory 1% levy on gambling companies for problem gambling treatment and a ban on credit cards being used as a form of betting.

Chadlington called on the UK government to “learn from the Australian experience and ban gambling advertising for at least an hour before and after live sporting events. Government should also evaluate the online threats – not only advertising, but in-game gambling opportunities – in loot boxes.”

The conservative peer confirmed his support for the mandatory 1% levy on gambling companies.

However, the peer said that Labour had not addressed the alarming increase in suicide among young people where gambling has been a contributory factor, citing data from the ‘Gambling with Lives’ website, which showed there was at least one gambling-related suicide every morning and every afternoon each working day.