The Digital, Media, Culture, and Sport (DCMS) department has put together a select committee and launched an inquiry into how the government regulates gambling in the UK.
The move comes as authorities heed warnings that “more needs to be done” to protect people from gambling harm, including children.
A total of 11 MPs make up the cross-party committee, from the Conservatives, Labour, and the Scottish National Party. This group will examine the approach of the DCMS and the wider government in the face of new, changing gambling technologies and habits.
According to the committee, it will be “investigating the progress the government has made in addressing the issues raised by parliament, how to ensure regulation can keep up with innovations in online gambling and the links between gambling and broadcasting and sport”.
The committee will also look at the long-delayed gambling White Paper and discuss what its focus and priorities should be.
The committee is currently open and asking for evidence, which can be submitted until 10 February next year.
The Betting and Gaming Council Chief Executive Michael Dugher has said that the trade body welcomes the inquiry. He maintained that the inquiry will act as an opportunity for the wider gambling industry in the UK to demonstrate its commitment to raising standards and reducing gambling harm.
