Gambling Related Harm APPG starts new probe into online gambling in UK

The Gambling Related Harm APPG, a newly formed group, has initiated a new inquiry to find out the harms caused by online gambling in the UK. The study will also seek remedies and recommendations for solving the issue.

The probe will try to uncover the full impact of online gambling, the addictive and potentially harmful nature of some of the products on offer and their effect on the vulnerable, in particular, children. It will also explore the effectiveness of age and identity verification mechanisms as well as efficacy of self-exclusion schemes and current provisions for problem and at-risk gamblers.

Carolyn Harris MP and Chair of the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals All Party Parliamentary Group said: “According to recent reports of British gambling behaviour, the prevalence of problem gambling among those who gamble online is similar to those who played FOBTs. Naturally, following our successful campaign to reduce the harm caused by FOBTs, online gambling became the next area of serious concern.”

“Our group has received numerous correspondence from individuals and families harmed by online gambling and has already been informed about the ploy by bookmakers to lure would-be FOBT players online.”

“We are deeply concerned about the harms caused by online gambling and particularly the impact and harm of online gambling on children.”

“Following this inquiry, we will be setting out a number of policy changes and recommendations to tackle this issue.”

Further information on the All Party Group can be found at www.grh-appg.com