The Gambling Awareness Organization has voiced serious worry about the possible postponement of the UK government’s Gambling Act White Paper’s release, arguing that further postponements could put more individuals at risk of gambling-related harm.

The White Paper, which seeks to harmonize rules and regulations with the contemporary market, has been subject to a series of postponements since the Gambling Act review commenced in 2020. The current Gambling Act was published in 2005.

Chris Philp, the UK government official responsible for gambling, stepped down earlier this month, disclosing that the document was “currently being presented to 10 Downing Street for final approval.”

However, the recent departure of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has further disrupted the process, with a Conservative Party leadership competition underway to select his successor.

Last week, Damian Collins was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Online Safety at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and he will head the UK government’s efforts on gambling and lottery policy, potentially advocating for final modifications to the White Paper.

However, reports suggest that the White Paper may not be made public until after Johnson’s replacement assumes office.

The GambleAware organization, a UK charity focused on the negative effects of gambling, is expressing concern over the government’s postponement in releasing its white paper on gambling. They are strongly advocating for its swift release.

Zoe Osmond, the chief executive of GambleAware, stated: “We are deeply troubled by the possibility of further postponements to the gambling white paper. If immediate action is not taken, more individuals will be susceptible to the dangers of gambling, and the issue will only worsen.”

“We are apprehensive that the escalating cost of living, the lingering consequences of the pandemic, and the surge in online gambling could create a perilous situation, putting a greater number of people at risk of gambling-related harm.

“We, in collaboration with other charitable organizations, require a dependable and consistent method of securing funding. This will guarantee our ability to continue providing support and treatment, prevent further individuals from being harmed by gambling, and raise awareness regarding the risks associated with gambling.”

One of the alterations GambleAware seeks is to make it obligatory for gambling firms to contribute financially towards research, education, and treatment for gambling-related harm.

Currently, gambling companies have the option to contribute to research, education, and treatment, but GambleAware believes that they should be obligated to pay a fee as a prerequisite for obtaining a license to operate in the UK.

In the previous week, shares in the gaming sector rebounded after an initial decline triggered by news that a new policy document would introduce a £125 monthly spending limit and more rigorous checks on players who incur losses exceeding £2000 within a three-month period.

Earnings + More, a leading industry analyst, revealed on July 13th numerous specifics regarding the contents of the policy document.

Sources within the gaming industry confirmed to iGB that this aligns with their comprehension of the document’s content.

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