High stakes: Alison Mather on the new gambling white paper

‘How would we respond if the customer was someone we love?’

After multiple delays, the government has finally published its white paper on gambling (High Stakes: Gambling reform for the digital age). In her statement, Lucy Frazer, secretary of state for Media, Culture and Sport, concluded that ‘it had become clear’ that children, young adults, and people at risk of harm, need to be protected. To us at Quaker Action on Alcohol and Drugs (QAAD), this has been clear for years.

There are certainly positive proposals in the paper, particularly: the statutory levy; an ombudsman; affordability checks; and stake limits for online slot machines. But most proposals will be subject to further consultation, creating frustration among campaigners, including QAAD. It will be a year, possibly more, before many are implemented, leading to fears that the industry will exert its powerful influence to water down the final legislation.

In the minister’s own words, ‘prevention is better than cure’, yet there is no mention of a ban (or even curbs) on advertising. Instead, Frazer stressed the importance of striking ‘the right balance’ between consumer freedoms and protection from harm. The right balance, some believe, would favour improving protection for all customers, not just those already having problems. Anyone could lose a life-changing sum in a matter of hours.

The libertarian view suggests that people should be free to choose how to spend their money. If someone suffers serious consequences while exercising personal freedom, who is to blame? Well, the industry spends £1.5bn a year on sophisticated advertising. Customers are told ‘When the fun stops, stop’, but there are no clear, direct public health campaigns spelling out the risks. Meanwhile, we are all exposed to relentless TV and radio advertisements, celebrity endorsements, targeted incentives, and the ‘gamblification’ of football. In this light, how acceptable is it to suggest that someone is lying on a bed of their own making? How would we respond if that customer was someone we love? And who pays the price? The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities says gambling costs society up to £1.77bn annually. The charity Gambling with Lives estimates that 400-600 gamblers take their own lives each year.

The industry diverts attention from the addictive nature of its products by blaming individuals: ‘most people gamble safely’; ‘a tiny minority are inherently vulnerable’. Some people are more vulnerable, but this narrative minimises the harm caused by even moderate gambling, especially for those on low incomes. It also increases the shame and stigma felt by those who become addicted.

The government says: ‘we will not permit… operators to place commercial objectives ahead of customer wellbeing.’ Given the evidence, this appears rather optimistic. Since 2022, the Gambling Commission has imposed £76m fines, including a record £19.2m for William Hill in March.

Reform is overdue. The stakes are indeed high. Perhaps the white paper can strengthen the regulation of an industry that profits from so much harm. We must hope so.

Alison is the director of QAAD.

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Comments

I’ve just discussed this article with a Muslim colleague. He said gambling is an unacknowledged issue in many Muslim communities, and suggested QAAD seeks campaigning partners amongst Muslim and other faith groups.

By cathy.burston@hotmail.co.uk on 3rd June 2023 - 11:09

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