Eric Joyce

Labour Party | Falkirk

Falkirk West MP welcomes proposed changed to gambling laws

Falkirk West MP, Eric Joyce, has welcomed the Governments recently published white paper on Gambling law reform.

Following representations from social clubs, members clubs and individuals within Falkirk after the publication of the report of the Gambling Review Body, Eric had himself made representations to Ministers at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about, amongst other things, recommendations to remove jackpot gaming machines from private members clubs.

Speaking after the publication of the white paper, Eric Joyce MP said

‘A number of social clubs, members clubs and individuals had contacted me about various aspects of the recommendations contained within the Budd Report. These clubs were especially concerned about the impact on their income stream from recommendations to remove jackpot gaming machines from private clubs.

I am pleased that the representations made by myself to Ministers on behalf of these organisations and individuals have been listened to. The Government has now rejected the original recommendations and ensured that these local clubs will retain the right to operate jackpot gaming machines, therefore protecting their income and helping these clubs continue as the hub of their communities.'

Notes to Editor

• Sir Alan Budd chaired the Gambling Review Body established by the Government to recommend changes to the UK's Gambling Laws and as such the report from the committee is referred to as the Budd Report.
• Tighter regulations will be applied to private member clubs to ensure that only adults will be allowed access to these jackpot gaming machines and that there is effective supervision barring children from access to them.
• The White Paper also contains proposals to prevent an increase in problem gambling by, amongst other things, setting up an independent trust to fund prevention an treatment of problem gambling with a budget of £3 million per year and the incorporation of codes of social responsibility which will become enforceable licence conditions.

Eric Joyce MP

Serving the communities of Falkirk West