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New Rules Would Ensure Children And Gambling Don't Mix, Says Jowell

132/03   

The major sections of a new Gambling Bill were published today in draft.

In a speech to the Business in Sport and Leisure (BISL) annual conference, Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell explained the tough new measures in the Bill that would strengthen protections for children and vulnerable adults:

  • A new Gambling Commission with wide ranging powers to keep crime out of gambling;
  • Strict suitability tests for all commercial gambling operators;
  • Stricter controls on access by children to places where gambling takes place, especially gaming machines; signposting and effective supervision to be standard licensing conditions;
  • An industry-funded gambling trust to support problem gambling prevention and treatment programmes, with an initial budget of £3m; the Government will also take reserve powers to compel licensed operators to pay;
  • Strict licence conditions on all gambling operators to ensure they act in a socially responsibility fashion.

Commenting on the proposed legislation, Tessa Jowell said:

"Our gambling laws date back to the 1960s. Since then attitudes to gambling have changed and the law has failed to keep pace with rapid technological change.  Gambling is now a diverse, vibrant and innovative industry and a popular leisure activity enjoyed in many forms by millions of people.  The law needs to reflect that.

"But we need to make sure that modernisation achieves, above all, new protections for children and vulnerable adults from the risks intrinsic to gambling.  We must make sure crime is kept out and that gambling is conducted in ways that are fair to the consumer.  In particular, we must take the strongest steps to protect children and vulnerable adults from being harmed or exploited by gambling. I believe this Bill does that.

"I now look forward to the scrutiny committee beginning its important work in earnest."

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Minister for Gambling Andrew McIntosh commented:

"The Bill removes unnecessary restrictions on the ability of businesses to meet consumers' wishes.  It recognises that adults need to be treated as such and trusted to make informed decisions about their free time. 

"The proposed changes will move gambling conclusively into the mainstream of the leisure industry - one that is demonstrably well regulated and socially responsible.  Reform will create new jobs and generate significant inward investment, boosting tourism and regeneration programmes in key areas."

Welcoming publication of the draft Bill, Peter Dean, Chairman of the Gaming Board for Great Britain, said:

"Our gambling laws are out of date and the Board has been advocating an overhaul for some time.  We support the thrust of the reforms proposed by the Government. 

"I believe these strike a proper balance between increasing consumer choice for adults, affording greater protection for young people and the minority who have problems with their gambling. This will ensure that those who provide commercial gambling observe high standards of probity and social responsibility."

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Director of GamCare Peter Cox said:

"We welcome the draft bill creating a more open and attractive environment for those who wish to enjoy safe and responsible gambling. GamCare is delighted that there are many references to public protection and to social responsibility measures expected from the industry. It is vital that in future in this more open environment there will be a proportionate increase in the level of resources to provide treatment, funds to communicate treatment awareness, plus a clear strategy with resources to provide education and research."

The draft Bill will now be scrutinised by a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.  This scrutiny process will improve the draft legislation and build parliamentary understanding and public confidence in the proposals.  The remaining sections of the draft Bill will be published early next year.  The final Bill will then be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time becomes available.

Notes to Editors

1. A statement made to the House of Commons by the Culture Secretary on the publication of the draft Bill is attached.  The draft Bill and accompanying policy document can be viewed online.

2. Following the report of the independent Gambling Review Body in July 2001 (led by Sir Alan Budd), the Government published a White Paper in March 2002 – "A safe bet for success (Cmnd 5397).  The draft Gambling Bill builds on this work and is the result of extensive and continued consultation with the industry sectors, representatives of groups encouraging responsible gambling, local authorities, consumer groups, other Government Departments and the devolved administrations.

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