MP calls for balanced Government approach to gambling reform

The best way for the UK government to defend freedom and protect the most vulnerable regarding gambling is “targeted intervention”, according to Mark Jenkinson, Member of Parliament (MP) for Workington.

Gambling Reform:

Referring to the Gambling Commission figures that the problem gambling rate among adults in the UK at 0.3% is low by international standards, the MP called on the government to regulate the legal market in a balanced manner. Of the number, Jenkinson said: “While this is encouraging, everyone recognizes that the vast majority like to gamble safely and responsibly, but that can be an issue for a small minority. That’s why we have sensible regulations, just as we do with alcohol consumption. “But how do you give adults the freedom to play while protecting the vulnerable?

One such measure being pushed by the anti-gaming lobby is low overall affordability controls, which would force players to show they can afford to have a flutter. “But compare that to drinking, what would voters say if, to protect alcoholics, the government decided to limit spending on drinks for the rest of us for a certain period? There would be outrage. and rightly so. The approach only suits some. The MP’s comments come amid the forthcoming Government review of the Gambling Act 2005, which aims to ensure UK gambling is fit for the digital age.

He suggested that an appropriate approach might be to rely on the technology and tools already available and develop a targeted strategy that identifies the risk groups and provides additional protection. At the same time, the rest of the public continues to place bets. Jenkinson also pointed to the dangers of the black market, explaining that over-regulating the legal market could push gamblers into this space where there are now twice as many users and billions being wagered. “No money goes into the sports we love, like horse racing, darts, billiards, rugby, or football,” Jenkinson said. 

Earlier this week, the Gambling and Gambling Council (BGC) said two-thirds of gamblers believe that the nanny state’s spending restrictions on betting would lead to increased black market gambling in the UK.

Jenkinson Theory:

Jenkinson pointed out how the betting and gambling industry contributed billions to the economy and tax revenue and warned that “over-regulating” the market could harm the tourism industry and the high streets worldwide. Great Britain. In addition, he said the introduction of measures such as available affordability controls could increase the number of bettors betting on unlicensed sites, which neither offer the same protections as licensed sites nor contribute to the UK in tax terms. “If the legal market is over-regulated, frustrated gamblers will find another way to place their bets,” Jenkinson said. 

Jenkinson added that the UK’s regulated gambling industry is generating billions in the economy, raising billions in taxes while supporting thousands of jobs. “If we tax too much, if we over-regulate, if we fall for a far-left narrative that profits are bad, we lose all those things and more,” he wrote. Finally, Jenkinson supported promoting information about safer betting and initiatives like Safer Gambling Week.