The BGC sees this as a further opportunity for the regulated industry to show its commitment to raising standards in safer gambling and its support for the UK economy.
The body noted that problem gambling rates are among the lowest in Europe at 0.3%, and that it supports 110,000 jobs across the UK.
The BGC comments come after the DCMS Committee launched a call for evidence on gambling, inviting people to answer questions such as ‘What is the scale of gambling-related harm in the UK?’ and How broadly should the term, ‘gambling,’ be drawn?’
Other questions include ‘Is it possible for a regulator to stay abreast of innovation in the online sphere?’ and ‘What additional problems arise when online gambling companies are based outside of UK jurisdiction?’
The Committee also asks what the key priorities of the gambling White Paper should be, with the results of the review of the UK gambling industry expected to arrive shortly.
BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher commented: “I am sure that the Committee’s inquiry, like the Government’s Gambling Review, will be genuinely ‘evidence-led’ and has to strike a careful balance in making recommendations that are about protecting the vulnerable, whilst not unfairly impacting on the millions of customers who bet perfectly safely and responsibly.”
The BGC added that the inquiry must also consider the idea that further restrictions on gambling could result in customers moving into the unregulated black market, noting the examples of Norway, France and Italy in this regard.
Dugher added: “Problem gambling may be low by international standards at 0.3 per cent, but one problem gambler is one too many. So we look forward to hearing from the Committee about what more can be done.
“We must also ensure that they do not drive people to the unsafe, unregulated black market online, where there aren’t any safeguards to protect vulnerable people.”
