House of Lords Select Committee asks: “How harmful is gambling, and what can be done?”

On 13 June 2019 it was agreed by the House of Lords that a Select Committee should be appointed to consider “the social and economic impact of the gambling industry”, make recommendations and report by 31 March 2020.

That Select Committee has now published its call for evidence (that can be downloaded below) and is inviting submissions from all interested individuals and organisations. Submissions must be received by 6 September 2019 and should be made using this form.

This is a chance for the industry to make its own views clear and to correct some of the more sensationalist allegations and statistics that have been reported in Parliament and in the national media within the recent past.

The Members of the Select Committee are as follows:.

Member Affiliation
Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top Labour
Lord Butler of Brockwell Crossbench
Lord Filkin Labour
Lord Foster of Bath Liberal Democrat
Lord Grade of Yarmouth (Chair) Conservative
Lord Layard Labour
Baroness Meyer Conservative
Lord Smith of Hindhead Conservative
The Lord Bishop of St Albans Bishops
Baroness Thornhill Liberal Democrat
Lord Trevethin and Oaksey Crossbench
Lord Watts Labour
Baroness Wyld Conservative

The www.parliament.uk website reports as follows:

The inquiry

Issues relating to the gambling industry and individuals affected by disordered gambling are varied, and many are without research or reliable facts. The Committee has focused its inquiry on issues including:

  • the current state of the industry
  • the lack of accurate estimates of the extent of the problem
  • developments in gambling habits, in particular online gambling
  • the ‘gamblification’ of sport
  • the industry’s contribution towards research, education and treatment of problem gamblers
  • whether those who need help have access to it; advertising; and lotteries.

Committee Chairman

Lord Grade of Yarmouth, Chairman of the Committee said:

We know that the effects of gambling on individuals and families can be devastating. This Committee seeks further to understand the issues, in an area where concrete evidence is lacking, and to explore options for improvement.

The Committee is keen to receive evidence from a wide range of individuals, organisations and any sectors or groups in society effected. We encourage anyone with experience of the issues to share their views, and participate in this vital inquiry.

Questions

The Committee’s call for evidence includes the following questions:

  • How effective is the Gambling Act 2005 in achieving its aims of preventing gambling from being a crime or disorder, ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way, and protecting children and other vulnerable person from being harmed or exploited by gambling?
  • Does the Act need to be updated to reflect the significant changes in technology, and latest knowledge on gambling-related harm, since it was introduced?
  • Should gambling operators have a legal duty of care to their customers?
  • What are the social and economic costs of gambling?
  • How effective is the voluntary levy?
  • Are the services available for the treatment and support of people who are harmed by gambling sufficient and effective?
  • What steps should be taken to better understand any link between suicide and gambling?
  • What more should be done to educate the public about gambling?
    How should we make decisions about the regulation of gambling advertising?
  • What are the risks associated with the increasingly close relationships between betting operators and sports leagues, broadcasters and clubs?
  • Should children be allowed to play games machines including fruit machines, pushers and cranes?
  • Should any changes be made to the rules governing the National Lottery?

Contact details

  • Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling IndustryHouse of Lords, London SW1A 0PW
  • Email: hlgamblingindustry@parliament.uk
  • Telephone: 020 7219 4384