Peers for Gambling Reform

Peers for Gambling Reform broadly welcomes the new measures introduced by the Gambling Commission to improve consumer choice and safety. We especially welcome measures to further restrict the speed and intensity of online gambling.

We regret – given the weight of evidence supporting further action – that little is proposed to tighten restrictions on gambling, advertising, marketing and sports sponsorship.

The proposal for an opt-in system for direct marketing is a step in the right direction although a complete ban would have been preferable.

Peers for Gambling Reform are also pleased to see the introduction of financial vulnerability assessments and the commencement of a financial risk assessment pilot.

We are concerned however by the proposed thresholds for light-touch assessments, which are simply too high to enable effective player protections.

The Gambling Commission should also ensure that the exact thresholds for financial risk assessments derived from the findings of the pilot are determined independently of the industry and are low enough to ensure individuals are protected from harm.

We would also note that it is essential that these thresholds are standardised and independently reviewed.