Gambling Minister Signals Support for Growth of Regulated Betting Industry

Addressing the House of Lords Liaison Committee this week, the Gambling Minister repeatedly stressed the importance of keeping consumers within the licensed betting market. Perhaps insinuating that some rules, regulations, or otherwise had been accidentally pushing them towards unregulated alternatives.

These comments will certainly be welcomed by an industry facing a period of significant change. Amidst the ongoing implementation of Gambling Act review reforms, debate around affordability checks, and continued scrutiny of gambling advertising, a lot is shifting for the UK gambling industry currently.

Asked whether she believed the regulated sector could grow while gambling harms fell, Twycross made clear that the government sees a strong licensed market as part of the solution.

‘We want to make sure that we don't push people, or see people pushed, from the licensed, regulated, taxed sector through to the illegal sector…It's a regulated licensed sector we would like to see grow.’

Black Market Remains Key Concern

Twycross' remarks come at a time when concerns about the gambling black market are only growing^[1].

The government, Betting and Gaming Council, UK Gambling Commission, and licensed operators have all increased warnings about unlicensed websites. Websites that are targeting British consumers often do so through social media, messaging platforms, and online advertising.

As chair of the Illegal Gambling Taskforce, Twycross has been involved in wider discussions around how to disrupt these operators. In her address, she revealed that discussions have taken place with regulators, licensed operators, social media platforms, and Police and Crime Commissioners.

‘We've done a lot of work to ensure we understand what measures we can take that will help us reduce illegal gambling.’