To: Baroness Twycross
Revise gambling laws to ban advertising and allow greater control by councils to limit outlets
Adopt the 6 point plan for national gambling reform proposed by 38 councils:
- Reform "Aim to Permit" Policy: Allow local authorities to reject applications that pose a threat to community welfare and safety.
- Standardize Planning Categories: Include bingo halls and adult gaming centres in the same planning category as bookmakers to prevent operators from bypassing concentration caps through technicalities.
- Consider Local Debt Levels: Allow councils to evaluate local household debt levels and economic deprivation when reviewing applications for new gambling venues.
- Introduce a Statutory Levy: Create a mandatory levy on gambling operators to fund research, education, and treatment for gambling harm.
- Prohibit Certain Advertising: Ban gambling advertising, promotion, and sponsorship to reduce exposure.
- Review Machine Limits: Review the spin speed and maximum stake levels on gambling machines.
Why is this important?
Excessive gambling has been proven to have a disproportionately harmful impact, especially on the poorest in society.
Local councils have limited powers to oppose new gambling outlets, even when they are unpopular and inappropriate, especially in socially deprived areas. Gambling advertising is also too prevalent and has an undue influence.
There are too many loopholes in current legislation, making it too weak to effectively control gambling companies, whose only objective is profit.
Local councils have limited powers to oppose new gambling outlets, even when they are unpopular and inappropriate, especially in socially deprived areas. Gambling advertising is also too prevalent and has an undue influence.
There are too many loopholes in current legislation, making it too weak to effectively control gambling companies, whose only objective is profit.
