UK Government Review Of The 2005 Gambling Act Now Not Expected Until May

UK’s government review of the 2005 Gambling Act is now expected to be pushed back until May as internal turmoil at Whitehall derails the process once more.

As published in the Guardian, the DCMS – department for digital, culture, media and sport – launched the process of reviewing the gambling laws in December 2020 with the objective of delivering recommendations by the end of the 2021 proceedings.

This process was initiated after growing concerns about underage exposure to different forms of gambling and the increasing number of rehabilitation centres treating gambling addiction cases in the UK.

However, after several “root-to-branch” cabinet reshuffles ordered by PM Boris Johnson in 2021, the DCMS stated they will not be able to deliver on their intended/promised date. The result is backlash amongst some of the gambling addiction campaigners.

The Gambling Act 2005, which is under scrutiny, is the main body that defines the licensing and gambling rules in the United Kingdom. It is from this act that the United Kingdom Gambling Commission draws its powers to govern the industry and ensure patrons are offered a safe, secure and fair experience.

Failure to adhere to the laws and rules spelt in the Gambling Act 2005 can lead to the prosecution of all the individuals involved. There have been several high profile individuals who’ve found themselves on the wrong end of the law, especially the new, innovative products that have the hallmarks of gambling but are considered as new forms of gambling. Such include the likes of video game skins and other forms of digital lotteries. To protect yourself from fraud, you must use only proven licensed casinos in the UK. Before taking advantage of any promotions offered by licensed casinos, you should always read terms and conditions that always come with any bonuses. For example, you do not need to always take the bonus offered by the gambling site, respected operators like bet365 or Grosvenor Casinos offer you an option to opt out of any bonuses, so you are not “trapped” with the wagering requirements.

One such campaigner is Liz Ritchie, who together with her husband Charles, co-founded the charity “Gambling With Lives” after they lost their son Jack, who had become a gambling addict while at school. Speaking to the Guardian, Liz said: “Someone takes their life every day in the UK because of gambling, so we simply cannot wait until May to see this white paper.”

DCMS officials and Ministers have been working in tandem with the industry regulator, the UK Gambling Commission, on the whitepaper and despite reports, the DCMS hasn’t given any specifics on the publication date.

Back in December, Chris Philp, the UK Gambling Minister, emphasised at the UK GambleAware annual conference:

“Our review is looking at a very wide range of issues and our call for evidence received 16,000 submissions which we are considering carefully. We will publish a White Paper which sets out our vision for the sector in the coming months.”

Ashley Rosa

 Ashley Rosa is a freelance writer and blogger. As writing is her passion that why she loves to write articles related to the latest trends in technology and sometimes on health-tech as well.  She is crazy about chocolates. You can find her at twitter: @ashrosa2.