The Committee notes that the Public Accounts Committee, the National Audit Office and a House of Lords Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry have all called for more action to prevent problem gambling, with the DCMS Department and Gambling Commission coming in for criticism for their approach.

The Government’s review of the Gambling Act 2005 concluded last year and a White Paper on reforms to regulation is expected to be published shortly.

The DCMS Committee inquiry 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 DCMS Committee is inviting written evidence on the following questions by 10 February 2023:

1. What is the scale of gambling-related harm in the UK?
2. What should the key priorities be in the gambling White Paper?
3. How broadly should the term “gambling” be drawn?
4. Is it possible for a regulator to stay abreast of innovation in the online sphere?
5. What additional problems arise when online gambling companies are based outside of UK jurisdiction?

To read the Committee’s announcement in full and for a link to information on how to submit a response, click here.