Gambling Commission launches new national strategy to tackle gambling harm

A new strategy to reduce the harm caused by gambling was launched by the Gambling Commission on Thursday, with the industry regulator claiming it would enable it to make faster progress in tackling the problem.

The three-year National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms will provide "a sharper focus" on prevention and education, as well as treatment and support, the commission's chief executive Neil McArthur said.

He added that one of the signs of success for the strategy would be the commission having to fine operators for transgressions less often, but McArthur warned that if behaviour didn't improve there would be escalating punishments.

The commission said the strategy would, for the first time, bring health bodies, charities, regulators and businesses together to tackle the issue, with chairman Bill Moyes saying it was: "A new strategy with a new approach - a public health approach - that focuses much more on the part that products and the environment play."

McArthur said he wanted the gambling industry to "build on the progress that's been made already".

He welcomed the initiative announced by GVC Holdings earlier in the day on advertising around sport, but added: "It's important the industry shows leadership but there's a challenge around that to make sure it's coordinated and coherent, and that's what the strategy is trying to help with."

McArthur continued: "The big challenge for the industry is to make sure there's sufficient, predictable, sustainable funding to fund the strategy, because we're going to continue to push the industry hard about that.

"We've made the point that if we can't deliver this because of the financing that one of the options would be a statutory levy."

Asked what success would look like in three years' time, McArthur said: "Number one will be that people access the support or treatment they need in the way they need it at the time they need it.

"We'll have a better sense of the evaluation of what works, because when I say things like I want consumers in Britain to experience the safest gambling in the world, it would be great to be able to prove it rather than assert it.

"The other measure for success for us would be that if we're making progress and people are operating their businesses in the way we expect, you'd expect us to wield our enforcement stick less often because standards would be raised."

He warned that enforcement action, which has resulted in multi-million pound penalty packages for a number of operators, would continue if behaviour did not change.

McArthur added: "We've been very firm and have been very clear that if we're not seeing changes as a result then we'll start looking at personal and operating licences and other things besides.

"That doesn't go away. I'm hoping the need for it will diminish."

Minister for sport and civil society Mims DaviesCredit: Mims Davies

Minister for sport and civil society Mims Davies said the launch was "another milestone in a year of strong policy developments".

She added: "The Gambling Commission’s strategy reflects our clear expectation that the whole sector must come together to reduce problem gambling and the harm it does to people and their families.

"Through increased research, education and treatment, I want to see faster progress made in tackling this issue."

If you are concerned about your gambling and are worried you may have a problem, click here to find advice on how you can receive help