Gambling review white paper publication not expected until May
Industry critics blame government’s “internal problems” for further setback in Gambling Act 2005 reform
The white paper on the Gambling Act 2005 review has once again hit a deadline setback and is now not expected until May, according to a report by the Guardian.
The review, which began on 8 December 2020, was due to conclude by the end of 2021. However, a number of delays, primarily relating to personnel changes within DCMS, have seen the publication date continually pushed back.
In September 2021 John Whittingdale, the MP in charge of the Gambling Act 2005 review, departed DCMS and was replaced by Chris Philp.
The latest announcement represents another delay which will no doubt cause dismay to those who have been campaigning for industry reform for years. Speaking to the Guardian, Labour MP Carolyn Harris said: “Every day of delay leads to further gambling-related harm while the industry rakes in profit.”
Harris is understood to be supportive of reviews to be implemented within the industry and fears that continuing uncertainty surrounding the future of the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, may impact the publishing of the white paper.
“The government must not let its internal problems stand in the way of much needed reforms for this country.”
A reshuffling of the DCMS department schedule will now see the white paper released following the announcement of the winner of the National Lottery licence, which is expected to be announced later this month. Four firms are in the running with Camelot, Sisal, Allwyn and Richard Desmond’s Northern and Shell being the final bidders.
DCMS was approached for comment, however at the time of publishing, had yet to respond.