Gambling Reform APPG Announces Inquiry into UK Gambling Regulations
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform has announced a new inquiry to assess the future of gambling regulation in Great Britain. This comes in response to growing concerns about gambling-related harm, now recognized as a public health issue. The inquiry, which will run until September 12, aims to gather evidence to inform potential regulatory changes.
Focus areas include evaluating existing gambling laws, such as the Gambling Act, and exploring the intersection of gambling with broader policy issues, including public health, taxation, and the economy.
Additionally, the APPG will examine proposals from the Gambling Act white paper, such as stake limits, financial checks, and the creation of an industry ombudsman. Both online and land-based gambling regulations are part of the review, with particular attention to gambling advertising and harm prevention.
National Gambling Support Network Reports Significant Growth
The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) has made notable strides in its second year, assisting over 110,000 individuals affected by gambling harm.
This increase in engagement is marked by a 50% rise in self-referrals, showing a shift toward more proactive help-seeking behaviors. NGSN offers tiered support, ranging from brief interventions to intensive treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and residential care.
Notably, brief intervention sessions surged by 93% year-over-year, helping individuals address their gambling concerns early on. The success of NGSN's tailored, local approach highlights the importance of accessible, community-based services for those at risk of gambling addiction.
GambleAware Launches New App for Gambling Harm Prevention
GambleAware has introduced a new app designed to provide users with personalized, evidence-based tools to manage their gambling habits. This app targets particularly vulnerable groups, such as 18-24-year-olds, who are twice as likely to seek help for gambling issues compared to the general population.
Features include goal setting, activity tracking, and personalized advice, along with the integration of the Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines to help users moderate their behavior. The app aims to reduce the stigma around gambling harm and encourage self-help before the need for formal treatment. By offering an easy-to-use platform, GambleAware is empowering individuals to take control of their gambling while improving overall access to support.
UK Government’s £5 Stake Limit for Online Slots
As a part of a broader set of regulatory reforms outlined in the government’s 2023 white paper, the UK government has introduced a regulation to limit the maximum stake on online slot machines to £5, with a £2 cap for players under 25.
This change, implemented in 2024, aims to address growing concerns about gambling harm, particularly among younger individuals. The new policy aligns online gaming stake limits with those of land-based casinos and bookmakers. It also includes proposals on advertising, harm prevention, and player protection.
The government estimates this change will cost the industry £170 million, representing a small fraction of the sector's £10.9 billion annual revenue. While some campaigners feel the £5 cap for those over 25 is insufficient, the move is seen as a step toward better safeguarding vulnerable groups. The industry has mixed reactions, with some concerns about the impact on customer behavior, potentially pushing players toward unregulated markets.
Source:
“Cross-Party Inquiry Launched to Examine Future of Gambling Regulation“, realmoneyaction.com, July 18, 2025.