Gambling Act not a Success, says Hunt
Jeremy Hunt, UK culture secretary, has questioned the success of the 2005 Gambling Act, calling the law “inconsistent” and “in a kind of limbo”.
The act, brought in under former Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2007, was designed to better regulate the gambling industry but also relaxed some laws for gambling companies in the process.
When the bill was introduced, critics argued that the changes would lead to a rise in gambling addiction, as well as other social problems, and that concern is still at the forefront of Hunt’s concerns.
“There are inconsistencies in gambling legislation. And a lot of the reluctance to change things is because of people’s concern [that] in some countries that have liberalised laws they have seen quite significant growth in problem gambling at the same time.
“That is the big question that needs to be addressed before any progress is made.”
Furthermore, Hunt is also concerned about how the law is being implemented, especially with regards to casinos.
“I think the truth is that it (the 2005 Act) has not been a success and, as a result, in things like casino policy we are in a kind of limbo at the moment which I don’t think is healthy.
“There are a number of unanswered questions in terms of the way the Gambling Act is being implemented.”
