Responsible Gambling in the UK

UK Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell has said that plans to shake up the UK's antiquated gambling laws will be done in a "socially responsible" manner, in response to a warning from MP’s and Lords that plans to allow Las Vegas-style casinos could increase problem gambling.

Campaigners claim liberalising gambling laws could lead to a rise in gambling addiction, with twice as many addicted. Ms. Jowell stressed the need for a proper balance between modernising the law and protecting the public.

Ms Jowell said: "What will characterise the modernisation of what are widely recognised as outdated gambling laws is not a free-for-all, as has been misleadingly reported, but a very clear obligation on all gambling businesses to act in a socially responsible way."

She said the legislation was underpinned by objectives of fairness, protecting children and keeping gambling crime-free.

The government was also committed to preventing a disproportionate rise in problem gambling, she said.

Ministers have said the gambling industry will have to set up a trust to fund groups like Gamblers Anonymous, while a new authority will ensure safeguards keep pace with technology. So far the proposed regulation would set up an industry fund of around three million pounds that would go to helping problem gamblers receive treatment.