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A recent gambling prevalence study in the UK found that out of the five types of gambling most associated with problem gambling, three operated online and two operated exclusively online
Bob Neill
Conservative MP Bob Neill sets out the issues being raised in his Westminster Hall debate on the regulation of online gambling.
I called this important debate because it's clear the government are not doing enough to deal with problem gambling.
In fact, they have exacerbated the problem as a result of irresponsible legislation.
This is a very real and growing problem. A recent gambling prevalence study in the UK found that out of the five types of gambling most associated with problem gambling, three operated online and two operated exclusively online.
Nearly one in ten of online gamblers have addiction problems that can lead to indebtedness, family breakdown and crime.
The government has allowed the problem to perpetuate by relaxing advertising laws whilst expanding the list of approved countries that can advertise their gambling services in the UK.
Recently, they added Antigua which has a particularly lax regulatory regime. For instance, regulations require no formal age verification of the user other than a tick in an on-screen box.
To illustrate the point, I think it's important to note that the same Antiguan authority regulates both gambling and financial services. Remember, Sir Allen Stanford had many of his operations based in Antigua.
If we are going to allow companies access to UK markets and the benefit of British audiences then they must work within a regulatory regime that follows the same high standards of the UK. This would protect the vulnerable and give reputable British based companies, which have been frozen out of a legitimate industry, a fair crack of the whip.
Gordon Brown's gambling legislation has left a number of gaping holes which allow an almost entirely unregulated industry access to the UK.
It's time for the government to admit this error and tackle problem gambling effectively.
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