As the aftermath of the UK’s White Paper review on the gambling industry continues to make headlines, Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, has had her say on the report.
Osmond said the White Paper was “a substantial package of measures.” She added: “In particular, we whole-heartedly support the introduction of a statutory levy on the gambling industry to ensure sustainable and transparent funding for research, education and treatment.”
GambleAware’s CEO then hailed the White Paper, stating: “Today’s Gambling White Paper is a welcome step in the right direction for the prevention of gambling harms. It is encouraging to see these commitments for a sustainable and transparent funding model as well as greater consumer protections, particularly in the online space.
“After so many delays to the publication of the White Paper, it is now critical that we act with urgency to ensure that the measures outlined are implemented swiftly, especially given that so many of them are subject to further consultation.”
However, Osmond also pointed out that there were things she felt the White Paper had missed, commenting: “The lack of greater regulation on gambling advertising and marketing is a missed opportunity, particularly in protecting children.
“Almost half (45%) of 11–17-year-olds are exposed to gambling marketing on social media each week. Our research shows that increased exposure to gambling can influence attitudes towards gambling and the likelihood of gambling participation in the future, which in turn comes with an increased risk of harm."
