John Whittingdale exits DCMS in potential blow for gambling industry

The MP in charge of the Gambling Act 2005 review has been removed from his role as ministerial lead on gambling and lotteries following Boris Johnson’s latest cabinet reshuffle.

John Whittingdale had been serving as Minister of State for Media and Data in the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) since February 2020.

In March, he was given responsibility for gambling and lotteries, as well as overall responsibility of the review as a way of reducing the workload of UK Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston.

Whittingdale has joined an increasing list of high-profile exits, including Oliver Dowden as Culture Secretary. He was replaced by Nadine Dorries MP earlier this week.

I am sorry to be stepping down as Minister for Media and Data and saying goodbye to a great team of ministers and officials. It has been a privilege to play a part in shaping the future of UK public service broadcasting and in reforming our data laws using our new Brexit freedom

— John Whittingdale (@JWhittingdale) September 16, 2021

The departure of Whittingdale is likely to be seen as bad news for the industry.

The former media minister has been criticised by gambling reform advocates as “soft” on potential reform, having voted favourable in the debate surrounding fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs).

He voted against giving local councils the power to prevent the proliferation of FOBTs and betting shops in local communities and previously voted to increase the stake and prize limits for certain categories of gambling machines.

Whittingdale also voted against extending the horseracing betting levy to offshore operators and against the introduction of measures requiring online operators to ban individuals who have previously self-excluded.

The departure throws into question the timeline of the Gambling Act 2005 review, with the government currently processing more than 13,000 responses to its call for evidence, which closed in April.

Whittingdale’s replacement has not yet been confirmed by DCMS, although EGR understands the government is looking to refresh its ministerial line-up with junior ministers promoted to senior roles.

For example, Cabinet Office Parliamentary Secretary Julia Lopez MP will join DCMS in an unspecified role.

BGC CEO Michael Dugher paid tribute to the outgoing Dowden and Whittingdale and the work they had done on behalf of the gambling industry over their respective tenures.

The trade body chief said: “We have been working extremely closely with DCMS over many months to help the government find the right balance in the gambling review, so that we continue to drive big changes and higher standards on safer gambling to better protect the most vulnerable.

“At the same time, government must ensure that the millions of people who enjoy an occasional flutter perfectly safely and responsibly have the freedom to do so.

“It is vital the government continues with its evidence-led approach,” the BGC CEO added.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the future of gambling regulation in the UK, major firms saw their share prices rise in early trading on the London Stock Exchange.

Entain’s share price climbed by 2.52% to £1,979.50p, while Flutter shares grew by 2.33% to £15,375p.

888 increased by 2.12% to £434p as shares in gaming supplier Playtech rose by 2.57% to £431.80p.

Picture: https://members.parliament.uk/member/39/portrait

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