To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for the development of a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of harms resulting from gambling.
Answered on
23 October 2018
The Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility has taken action to reduce gambling-related harm and ensure that those experiencing problems can access the help they need. As well as reducing the maximum stake from £100 to £2 on B2 gaming machines, government's response announced increased safeguards on online gambling and strengthened protections around gambling advertising. We also set out measures to improve understanding of gambling-related harm, how to prevent and reduce it, the need for treatment and the most effective means of delivering it. We are working closely with the Gambling Commission, Public Health England, GambleAware and health bodies on the follow up to these initiatives.
Prior to the Review, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), the independent advisors to the Gambling Commission, published a three year National Responsible Gambling Strategy in 2016. The strategy identified 12 areas for action by a range of bodies, including developing a better understanding of gambling-related harm and identifying improvements in treatment. Regular progress reports have been published and the Commission is working with the RGSB and partners on the shaping of a future strategy.