London, 27 April 2023: We welcome the long-awaited publication of the Gambling Act Review white paper, and we are encouraged to see the Government outline a number of proposals to help safeguard children and young people.
We are pleased to see the Secretary of State support our message that the prevention of harm will always be better than a cure. Evidence-based education has an important role to play but will only be effective if it is accompanied by robust regulation that protects our digital generation.
Having consistently supported the introduction of a statutory levy, we welcome proposals aimed at improving the current system that provides funding for research, education, and treatment. Universal education is an essential part of the public health response to gambling and gaming harms, and it must be adequately funded over the long term.
This is a significant point in a prolonged process, so we should all commend those who played a part in making today happen, however small or large a part they played. In particular, it has been inspiring to hear the compelling voices of lived experience contributing to this debate with real impact.
We all have a shared vision to prevent gambling harms and we look forward to continued collaboration with all stakeholders during the consultations that will follow.
The increased media coverage on gambling may leave you with questions or feeling in need of support. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling, the National Gambling Support Network provides free help and support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have care or influence over a child or young person and want more information about gambling harms and how to prevent them, you can register for a free online workshop through www.ygam.org.
