The UK Gambling Act 2005 Will Be Under a Review by APBGG

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Last updated: April 26, 2020

In order to ensure that regulations are applicable to the technical and social advances since their inception, the Parliamentary All-Party Betting & Gaming Group (APBGG) has conducted a study of the UK Gambling Act 2005.

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The APBGG will provide written evidence from all stakeholders and meetings with experts from all fields of the industry and supporting organizations. This helps to prepare the ground for the next review of the legislation by the government.

As a result of the latest coronavirus outbreak in the UK, this analysis will take place on-line, as stakeholders are encouraged to engage in a survey and submit written comments on the APBGG website.

APBGG Will Interview Witnesses On Four Topics

In an initial four webinar session, APBGG representatives will be questioning key witnesses on four topics in terms of gambling marketing, football and gambling, the public health approach towards gambling, and whether the 2005 act is still relevant. The APBGG reported that it is deciding on dates and speakers and that more webinars could be arranged if the initial four sessions are successful.

“As co-chairman of the All-Party Betting and Gaming Group, I believe it is essential that any review of the 2005 Gambling Act is based on evidence. The purpose of these sessions to help inform the government in their work in this area” – stated Philip Davies, co-chairman of APBGG.

Davies also revealed that their main goal is to hear legitimate concerns that people have over gambling as well as to make sure that the gambling industry received a fair hearing. He added that he is that he believes that if they listen to a wide range of views and make evidence-based recommendations will ensure they enhance their reputation as the best gambling industry in the world.

Results from the review will be released in a report that is submitted as part of a proposed reform of the Act to the Government’s Department for Digital Culture, Media and Sport. The Conservative Party vowed in its 2019 General Election Manifesto to initiate a review of the Act. Moreover, since it was voted into government in December last year, there is still progress to be made on these proposals.

Gambling Operators Will Also Provide Internal Data

The news follows on from the DCMS statement that online gaming operators are requesting daily feedback on player behavior, during the coronavirus pandemic yesterday. The biggest sports betting companies and the Betting and Gaming Councils have been requested to provide internal data in terms of the gambling habits of gamblers during the quarantine.

Operators are now aiming to provide a safer environment for gambling and monitor customer behavior in order to help them when needed. Another APPG, the Gambling Related Harm Group, opposed the initiatives, calling them inadequate to guarantee a fair standard of player safety or to restore current responsibilities.

The UK has recently taken significant measures in terms of improving the safety of gamblers. Just a few days ago the use of credit cards for gambling purposes was banned in an attempt to protect problem gamblers. The country encourages operators to promote safe and responsible gambling instead of taking advantage of people’s gambling addiction.