Damian Collins, the former Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy and Minister for Gambling, has voiced his belief that ‘urgent legislative action’ is needed to halt the growth of the offshore gambling market.
Writing for Politics Home, he emphasised that the industry’s regulations are moving at a pace that is simply too slow, with technology evolving the sector at a rapid rate.
Collins specifically pinpointed concerns around the brick and mortar sector, as he urged the need for action to protect it from being dwarfed by the online market.
The former Conservative MP predicted that fears and focus of government and policy-makers are set to shift from the customer experience to the growth of the offshore market.
Collins was keen to urge the Labour government and the DCMS to make haste in implementing changes put forward by the gambling industry white paper. He believes that ‘the casino industry cannot afford to wait any longer’ and ‘the uncertainty is a major blow for an industry that is already struggling to get back on its feet after the really tough few years they encountered during the pandemic’.
Key to the changes is bringing the sector into the modern era and enabling casinos to become venues for an all-encompassing entertainment experience. They include the embracing of new tech and machines.
The Betting and Gaming Council had previously expressed optimism that Labour would move relatively fast in collaborating with the industry and ensuring that the much-needed regulatory overhaul happens in good time.
As the dust settled on the election and a new Prime Minister settled in to number 10, Betting and Gaming Council Chair, Michael Dugher, commented: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, we welcome Labour’s victory and its commitment to continue working with the industry.
“On hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, in the leisure and tourism sector through casinos and bingo halls and in tech, where our members are genuine world beaters, this is a sector ready to contribute to growth, jobs and investment in the economy. We are investing in virtually every constituency in the land and we look forward to working with all the newly elected Members of Parliament.”
The BGC also pinpointed the importance of political stability as it moves forward with regulatory frameworks for the industry.
Dugher added: “BGC members are currently in the midst of the biggest regulatory changes in a generation following the publication of the White Paper, which Labour supported, and much of this work will carry on now the election is complete. Our members have the much needed political certainty they need to plan and invest for a sustainable future.
“This work is backed up by the industry’s own significant efforts to drive world-class standards and protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unsafe, unregulated black market online.
“The BGC and our members remain committed to working with Labour to implement the evidence-based, proportionate, regulatory changes outlined in the White Paper, ensuring those measures get the balance right between protecting the vulnerable, while allowing the vast majority of punters who enjoy betting responsibly to continue doing so without unnecessary intrusion.
“The BGC had long treated Labour as a government in waiting, working closely with shadow ministers in recent years, on behalf of our members and their millions of customers.
“Our work to drive up standards and champion a world leading British industry carries on and we look forward to partnering with Labour – as they have pledged – in this vitally important work.”
