Multiple sources said the process of putting the finishing touches on a White Paper on gambling reform had created a wedge between departments and senior MPs, with the publication deadline just a few weeks away. The government is expected to adopt measures, including betting limits of between και 2 and 5 5 on online slots and casino games, and financial price controls to ensure that players do not suffer financial ruin. Incentives, such as free bets or VIP privileges, may also be withheld for customers who lose a lot. However, lawmakers pushing for tougher reforms reacted angrily to a Times report saying football teams could continue to display betting logos on their shirts and that – despite widespread support – there would be no mandatory levy on funding for addiction research and education and treatment. Sources familiar with the draft proposals insisted that both changes could continue, adding that discussions with Premier League teams about sponsorship were “ongoing” and that the contribution could survive, although limited to online companies. and not in casinos and bookmakers. However, the final decisions are subject to last-minute frantic lobbying by senior Tories before the White Paper was published in mid-July. “The Ministry of Finance is opposed to these two elements,” said a lawmaker familiar with the controversy. Public officials are worried that the tax burden could be reduced if the’s 11 11bn-a-year gambling industry’s profits are cut, the source said. That puts No. 11 at odds with the Department of Health, which is said to support a levy to fund NHS treatment, and Culture Secretary Chris Philp, which oversees the reforms. Another faction in the upper echelons of the party, including a cabinet minister, is also seen as ideologically opposed to a “polluter pays” levy on gambling companies. But Ian Duncan Smith – who has said he is ready to “go to war” with the government over the issue – urged ministers not to soften reforms. “If it is right and the government weakens the White Paper, it is a wrong move, we will see a lot of opposition,” said the former Conservative leader, who co-chairs a cross-party gambling scandal. If it is right, and the Government weakens the White Paper, it is a wrong move, we will see a lot of opposition. Gambling addiction is a serious problem with many people suffering from injuries, families, individuals and we need to address it urgently. https://t.co/J3zZTbsAIq – Iain Duncan Smith MP (@MPIainDS) June 29, 2022 The controversy has caused a further delay in proposals that were originally to be released at the end of 2021. Senior lawmakers, meanwhile, are appearing on No. 10 policy adviser David Kanzini, with those in favor of the reform believing they can still persuade Boris Johnson to support a mandatory contribution by replacing voluntary industry contributions. The contribution is supported by the industry regulator, the Gaming Commission, which is expected to receive more funding and powers in the White Paper, and GambleAware, the charity that works as a conduit for most of the money spent under the current voluntary systemic. The controversy over gambling policy within the Tories party has echoed the FOBT controversy, which led to the resignation of Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in 2018. Bets on digital roulette machines were eventually reduced from £ 100 to £ 2 as MPs from across the House rallied on Crouch’s side, forcing the government to make a policy shift. Duncan Smith played a key role in the FOBT share reduction campaign and many of the measures he proposed in a 2019 report are expected to be included in the forthcoming White Paper. Subscribe to the Business Email daily email or follow the Guardian Business on Twitter at @BusinessDesk A DCMS spokesman said: “We are undertaking the most comprehensive review of gambling laws in the last 15 years to ensure that they are appropriate for the digital age. “We will publish a white paper as part of a review of gambling legislation in the coming weeks.”
