In the 2019 UK election, candidates' campaigns focused heavily on detailed plans to reform the gambling industry, which was a hot-button issue for both politicians and voters.
However, in the lead-up to the 2024 British election, the ruling party has conspicuously omitted any mention of gambling in their manifestos. This shift raises the question whether the review of the Gambling Law White Paper has effectively resolved the issue of industry reform, relegating it to a peripheral concern in the current political landscape.
The substantial attention and consensus on gambling reform in the past have seemingly dwindled, indicating a shift in priorities and a move away from the once pivotal issue.
Is the debate about gambling reform over?
As highlighted by Regulus Partners' Dan Waugh, the 2019 political agenda was unusual in that it delved into the details of gambling issues. This focus on the gambling industry in official documents reflects a growing concern around gambling-related problems, according to John Waugh.
The industry has faced significant pressure, with FOBT stakes being reduced and calls for online gaming laws to be revised. Despite this, interest in the gambling sector in the upcoming 2024 elections is minimal, except for the Liberal Democrats.
Historically, gambling laws have not been a major election issue, and politicians have largely ignored the problems associated with gambling. The recent review of the Gambling Act, driven by political motivations, may explain the current lack of focus on gambling in election campaigns.
While the Conservatives may believe that the issue has been addressed through legislation changes, the Labour Party has only made vague statements about improving standards. This lack of strong political stances on gambling suggests that the issue may not sway voters in the upcoming elections.
Gambling is no longer of interest to political parties
Both the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats are aligned in their commitment to reducing harm caused by gambling. Labour has expressed its intention to reform gambling regulations to better protect gamers, acknowledging the changing landscape of gambling since 2005.
The government's actions in response to the White Paper indicate progress in implementing new measures. Despite concerns raised by some, there is no clear opposition within the party towards gambling reform.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Harms has members from various political parties, showing a united front in addressing this issue.
What about the supporters of reforms?
Around 2019, there was significant gambling reform activity in support of the APPG, led by Derek Webb's Fairer Gambling Campaign and supported by the efforts of prominent campaigners such as Matt Zarb-Cousin.
Since then, the Campaign for Fairer Gambling's work has shifted to the US, and while Zarb-Cousin is still an active and vocal campaigner, his work extends to gambling blocking solutions such as GamBan. The leadership thus remains with groups such as like Gambling with Lives.
Without the support of many groups, these political campaigns and their leaders cannot increase their ratings as they did 5 years ago.
Who will suppress reforms in the gambling sector?
“The Conservatives and Labour are not that far apart ideologically,” says Waugh. But as he noted on the World Series of Politics podcast, most of the work of government is done by civil servants, not politicians.
“And there is quite strong evidence that major government bodies have been hijacked, or at least to the extent that they relate to gambling, they have been hijacked by a very strong public health movement in the UK that does look at gambling, particularly online is like the new tobacco,” says Vo.
For example, the Health Improvement and Inequalities Office, part of the Department of Health, published a paper in the Lancet containing 81 recommendations for government intervention in the gambling market.
“Territory of Prohibitions”
According to Waugh, some of the proposed interventions were reasonable and already in place, while others, like a complete ban on gambling advertising and alcohol sales at gambling venues, were extreme.
Waugh warned that some of these measures could essentially lead to prohibition, making the market unprofitable. The proposal to regulate the packaging of gambling products, such as cards, was seen as particularly absurd.
The Gambling Commission's apparent support for these measures has raised concerns among industry members.
Despite the election slowing down progress on reforms, ongoing consultations and legislative changes are still causing uncertainty for operators. The industry may still be feeling the impact of efforts to fulfil promises made in 2019.
