In her first public appearance since becoming the UK’s Gambling Minister, Baroness Twycross demanded action from operators to curb advertising.
“The issue of what is appropriate needs to be looked at in aggregate,” said the Minister, “not operator by operator. I do not stand here today to tell you what that volume must be, but I do expect industry to take the initiative on this by working across industry, with sporting bodies, with academics and harm prevention experts.”
She said that her department will be closely monitoring the sports codes of conduct – brought in voluntarily by sporting bodies earlier this year – “to ensure they have a meaningful impact”.
“I am also eager to see improvements made to safer gambling messaging,” she continued. “Industry ownership of safer gambling messaging is not sustainable in the long term. That is why we are working with the Department of Health and Social Care and the Gambling Commission to develop a new approach to messaging.
“I believe this is a sensible and proportionate request of industry. I am grateful for the engagement so far from the Betting and Gaming Council. I expect to see further action on advertising and will meet them in the new year to discuss.”
Generally speaking, Twycross was one of the more balanced speakers at the GambleAware conference in London. She acknowledged the contribution of the industry and the need to balance its commercial needs with the needs of those who need to be protected from gambling harm.
“Just as we recognise that gambling can be harmful, and that for some people gambling is not safe, we must also recognise – for example – how for others bingo can reduce loneliness, and we must acknowledge the fun that can be had from a flutter on the horses, and the value of supporting good causes through the National Lottery,” said Twycross.
“For me and the Government it is about balance – enabling an environment which allows those who want to gambling to do so safely. An environment that recognises the social and economic value the sector can bring. But also an environment which ensures the vulnerable and those at risk of harm are better protected.”
But it was the issue of advertising, which dominated other sessions, and which Twycross’s most strident words were reserved for.
“It is my expectation that industry can and should do more to work together, with each other and with us, to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible and does not exacerbate harm,” she said.
Interestingly, in the light of the collapse of Leicester City sponsor BC Game, Twycross also promised to study the issue of overseas operators using their White Label UK sites to promote overseas (often crypto) websites.
“I am engaging with the Gambling Commission and industry to gather further evidence of their prevalence and impact. If further action is needed, we will take it,” she promised.
She also said she is conscious of the need to confirm a commissioner to deal with the RET levy funds for the prevention of gambling harms.
“It is hugely important to get this decision right as we build a sustainable, futureproof system. We hope to confirm our plans in the coming weeks,” she said.