The Parliamentary All-Party Betting and Gaming Group has announced that it has launched its own review of the Gambling Act 2005, coming ahead of a similar undertaking that was to be fronted by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Motivated by the Conservative Party’s 2019 General Election manifesto statement that ‘the Gambling Act is increasingly becoming an analogue law in a digital age.’ The APBGG has decided to launch its review of the legislation and contemplate what future changes may be needed in order to keep the law relevant to the technical and social changes that have occurred since its implementation.
The review will take into consideration written evidence from industry stakeholders whilst holding various meetings with experts from all sectors of the industry and supporting organisations.
On launching the review, Philip Davies MP, co chair of the Parliamentary All-Party Betting & Gaming Group, stated: “‘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.
“We want to listen to the legitimate concerns people have of the gambling industry as well as ensure the industry gets a fair hearing as well.
“I am determined that we listen to a wide range of views and make evidence-based recommendations which will ensure we enhance our global reputation as having the best-regulated gambling industry in the world.”
Given the current lock down conditions the review is set to take place online, with the output to be submitted to the DDCMS as part of their review of the Act
The group will initially host four Zoom webinars where a panel of APBGG members will interrogate key witnesses on the topics of A Public Health approach to Gambling, Gambling and Football, The Marketing of Gambling and Is the Gambling Act 2005 Fit For Purpose?
