Northern Ireland begins gambling-related harm inquiry
New research unveiled by cross-party committee suggests a blanket ad ban would garner support from 60% of public
Northern Ireland has kicked off its inquiry into reducing gambling-related harm as a new survey suggests 60% of the pubic are in favour of a blanket ban on gambling advertising.
The Survation research was unveiled at the launch of a Stormont Inquiry by the All-Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling, as Northern Ireland’s politicians followed their Westminster colleagues in debating the relevance of the 2005 Gambling Act.
The probe is set to explore gambling safety, advertising and public health and will be led by a group of 15 Members of the Legislative Assembly from five political parties, including the DUP and Sinn Féin.
Written evidence from the public, academics and industry bodies can be submitted to the inquiry until 6 November.
The APG is due to announce when its oral sessions will be held, with those looking to contribute encouraged to contact the group by 23 October at the latest. The inquiry’s report will then be delivered to the Northern Ireland Executive on the new Gambling Bill.
In addition to the 60% in favour of a blanket advertising ban, 75% supported the creation of an independent gambling regulator, while 62% want to see VIP and free bet promotions outlawed.
Only 20% of those surveyed believe current regulations do a good job of protecting consumers.
Robbie Butler MLA, the committee chair, said it was important to put political rivalries to one side to tackle gambling-related harm cohesively and effectively.
“Support for change cuts across all sections of society, with people from all political traditions uniting in demanding reform,” he said.
“Over the next few weeks, we will be examining what needs to be done to reduce gambling-related harms and as part of that process we will be inviting organisations and individuals to write in with their submissions.
“What is already clear is that new regulations should be focused on protecting vulnerable people and their families, putting the consumer first,” he added.
Philip McGuigan MLA, the committee vice-chair, described the current gambling act as “hopelessly out of date”.
“Reform is well overdue,” he said. “Across the world, gambling-related harm is increasingly being recognised as a serious public health problem.
“We need to treat it as such here. That means putting measures in place which help prevent gambling-related harm arising in the first place,” he added.