Ministers have been urged to ignore “powerful forces” trying to thwart gambling reforms. MPs heard that during the “imminent” review of gambling laws, the Government will come under pressure in a manner similar to when changes were made to the tobacco industry.
Labour’s Paul Blomfield (Sheffield Central) made the warning as the Commons considered the case of Jack Ritchie, a teacher who killed himself after battling a gambling addiction. The 24-year-old died in November 2017 and the coroner at his recent inquest ruled that warnings and treatment had been “woefully inadequate”.
His parents, Liz and Charles Ritchie, watched on from the public gallery during the adjournment debate on Monday night. Mr Blomfield described the struggles faced by his constituent and praised his “inspirational” parents, telling the Commons: “They have made it their mission to stop gambling addiction claiming the lives of others as it does too often – more than 400 people in England alone each year, around 8% of all suicides.”
He said the coroner found “multiple failures” spanning three Government departments – those responsible for regulation, education and treatment – and noted MPs have an opportunity to address these in the forthcoming review of the Gambling Act. Mr Blomfield added: “I know the minister shares the concern, he’s met with Liz and Charles and others, and he’s spoken powerfully on the issue.
“But there will be powerful forces trying to stop him. Just as there were when we took on the tobacco industry.”
He highlighted suggestions for warnings to be put on products saying “gambling kills”, while other proposals include a “polluter pays principle”. Mr Blomfield explained: “Those who create the harm must deal with the damage and the current voluntary arrangements aren’t up to the task, it won’t guarantee the funding we need so we need a statutory levy independently collected and channelled to the NHS so that the industry doesn’t have undue influence over its allocation.”
Culture minister Chris Philp highlighted reforms made in recent years, but recognised the need to go further. He said: “There will not be any kicking or screaming required when it comes to the Gambling Act review, which is now imminent, because the evidence we have seen – including from this coroner’s report, but from many other sources as well – does make the case that we need to go significantly further to make sure that people are appropriately protected.”
The minister said he could not announce the proposals ahead of the publication of the white paper. But he recognised the importance of using data to assess the risks faced by people gambling online.
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