Changes Under Consideration
As Kier Starmer’s new government continues to settle into its new role, the Labour Party is set to consider new changes to help reduce gambling harm and promote responsible gambling within the industry and across the country as a whole.
Manifesto Commitment
One of the commitments outlined in Labour’s election manifesto was to reduce gambling harm and to tackle issues related to the industry. This followed the publication of the Gambling White Paper in May 2024, which outlined new rules and regulations for the industry.
Stephanie Peacock, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) has stated that the party will now be considering new evidence on the impact of gambling harm in the country, and it will aim to reform gambling advertising.
When asked about the future of gambling advertising in the country, Peacock stated, “We are considering the best available evidence from a wide range of sources to inform decisions on how best to fulfil our manifesto commitment to reducing gambling-related harm. We will provide further updates to the House soon.”
The government has given no indication as to what the changes will look like, but Peacock has backed the government’s faith in the Advertising Standards Agency (AGA), which is the independent regulator which currently deals with gambling advertising.
Precautionary Approach
Gambling advertising has come under intense scrutiny over the last few years, with sports, in particular, being put in the spotlight. The Premier League has responded to outside pressure and announced a ban on front-of-shirt sponsorships from gambling companies starting in the 25/26 season.
In a briefing last week, MPs in the House of Commons were issued with a policy titled ‘How Gambling Advertising is Regulated’ for their consideration, indicating that the topic could be brought onto the agenda shortly.
All eyes are on the next steps the Labour government will take, with Rachel Reeves’ long-awaited first budget set to be published next week. After concern from the industry that taxes on gambling companies were set to increase, it would appear as though these rumours have died down and that the current tax model is set to remain unchanged.
