Leader of the Scottish National Party, Nicola Sturgeon, has called for a rethink on the gambling industry, where she has suggested ways in which British society’s digital engagements and identity would have an impact on the governance of UK gambling.

Within the General Election manifesto for the SNP, the term ‘Stronger for Scotland’ is highlighted as a key point which will be pushed during the campaign. Sturgeon has undermined that the government should be pushing ways in which problem gamblers can be helped, with it being treated as a public health matter.

Although a ‘joined-up strategy’ has been supported on reducing problem gambling and protecting players, Sturgeon has remarked that SNP should be seeking “greater devolution on gambling regulations” attributed to the Scottish Parliament.

Out of the collection of political parties who are campaigning, the SNP has indeed provided the greatest detail on the gambling modifications which it seeks to pass.

Some of the key points which have been highlighted, are through backing a new public health inquiry into gambling-related harms, while also conducting changes to ‘charity lottery laws reducing bureaucracy and maximising returns to good causes’

Although the stance on the gambling modifications have been mirrored by the Conservative party, the SNP supports tougher measures being put in place to prevent minors from engaging with gambling verticals, as well as tougher laws on gaming Loot Boxes.

As a wider social pledge, the SNP states that it will support the foundation of a new ‘online regulator’ which monitors digital standards. It is expected to come with ‘abilities to take actions such as imposing heavy fines while blocking access to sites’. The main reasoning behind this being with the thoughts of protecting younger audiences.

While enforcing a stronger UK digital code, the SNP have stated that it would be instructing the UK government to provide a free and up-to-date expert resource, which will protect people while also supporting learning about online harm and abusive behaviour.

In connection to its mandate, the SNP calls for a ‘levy on technology companies’ to fund its regulator and further resources attached to funding public awareness campaigns.

To date, all the manifestos being published by UK parties have indicated that a review of the 2005 Gambling Act will undertaken, regardless of the outcome of the UK General Election on 12 December.