Labour promises to “reform gambling regulation” should it win the general election
Party’s manifesto includes brief paragraph on “strengthening protections” for consumers as it looks set to defeat the Conservatives on 4 July
Labour has promised to “reform gambling regulation” as part of its manifesto ahead of the general election on 4 July.
The party published its 136-page policy brief today, 13 June, and included a single paragraph mention of the gambling sector within it.
The note, coming under Labour’s plan to ‘Build an NHS fit for the future’, does not provide any concrete plans, beyond promising to change the way gambling is regulated in the UK.
The paragraph reads: “Labour is committed to reducing gambling-related harm.
“Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections.
“We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.”
Under then-Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2005, the Gambling Act was introduced, which officially came into effect two years later.
Labour’s renewed commitment to reforming the sector comes after the Conservative manifesto released this week included zero reference to gambling.
That policy decision stands in contrast to the Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto, which kickstarted the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review, and was eventually published last April.
Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew has already confirmed he will be leaving Westminster and not standing for re-election, making him the seventh minister to be handed the gambling brief to have moved on.
With Prime Minister Rishi Sunak facing a potential electoral wipeout in three weeks’ time, Sir Keir Starmer is on track to take the keys to 10 Downing Street.
Labour’s former shadow minister for sport, gambling and media is Barnsley East MP Stephanie Peacock.
Peacock is standing for re-election in her seat, which she has held since 2017, although there has been no confirmation she will retain her place in the cabinet should Labour win the general election.
During a Westminster debate in February, Peacock suggested that financial risk checks should be applied to all gambling verticals, despite concerns over the risk to the future of horseracing.
She said: “However, I do not think that we can carve out horseracing in particular as being free of harm; I simply do not think that is the case.
“Affordability checks form part of the new, modernised system of gambling regulation that is fit for the future.
“Accompanied by other measures such as online stake limits, data sharing between gambling firms and a crackdown through the regulator on black market activity, they will ensure that the law does more to protect children and adults who are vulnerable to harm.”
Reacting to the Labour manifesto, Betting and Gaming Council CEO Michael Dugher said: “We welcome Labour’s general election manifesto and its commitment to continue working with the industry to further drive up standards.
“BGC has long treated Labour as not merely the official opposition in parliament, but as a government in waiting. We have worked closely with shadow ministers in recent years and we strongly welcome their commitment in the manifesto to work with the regulated industry.
“Whatever happens at the polls, our work to drive up standards carries on and we look forward to partnering with the next government in this vitally important work,” he added.
According to the latest average polling, courtesy of the BBC, Labour sits on 43%, ahead of the Tories on 22%, Reform UK on 14% and the Lib Dems on 10%.