BGC rails against anti-gambling-led “hysteria”
Trade body CEO Michael Dugher slams “mendacious” prohibitionists, claiming groups are attempting to negatively influence gambling act review
Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) CEO Michael Dugher has questioned the influence of anti-gambling groups on the forthcoming 2005 Gambling Act review, claiming they are attempting to generate “hysteria” surrounding problem gambling in order to bring forward strict changes.
Writing on the Politics Home website, Dugher welcomed government sentiment that the review, the biggest shake-up in UK gambling for over a decade, would be evidence-led in nature.
However, the BGC CEO suggested the process was in danger of being derailed by the so-called anti-gambling lobby, despite evidence of a stabilisation in UK problem gambling rates.
“The hysteria they seek to generate is predicated on their assertion that there has been an ‘explosion’ of problem gambling,” Dugher wrote.
“Most recently, prohibitionists sadly chose to spread images on social media of children wearing football kits with imitation betting firm logos on them answering the door to their favourite players.
“The kids are then able to have a bet on a football game.
“This may be emotive, but it’s also mendacious and irresponsible,” he added.
Addressing the issue of betting advertising in sport, Dugher cited the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising, which requires that no betting operator logos can appear on child replica football kits, as well as other industry efforts to stop gambling by minors.
However, the BGC chief called on the government to clamp down on unlicensed gambling operators, claiming they lacked the consumer protections of their licensed counterparts, particularly in relation to protecting vulnerable individuals.
Drawing on the trade body’s record in this area, Dugher suggested the BGC would do more over the coming year to protect consumers.
“Ministers have said that they will seek to get the balance right in future changes – protecting the enjoyment of millions of people who enjoy a flutter – whether that’s on sports or on bingo or the lottery – but at the same time what more can be done to protect the vulnerable,” he said.
“This is the right approach. So, let’s have “evidence-led” decisions that are based on facts, not the fiction that can too often swirl around this debate,” Dugher concluded.