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The UK’s general election on July 4 is widely expected to usher in a new government after 14 years of Conservative Party rule, with the Labour Party likely to take over implementing the Gambling Act Review.
A new gambling minister is inevitable in any case after the announcement on May 29 that current gambling minister Stuart Andrew had resigned as an MP, as his constituency will no longer exist after the next election.
Labour’s 2019 manifesto did not mention gambling and its 2024 manifesto has not yet been released.
However, Labour MP candidate Stephanie Peacock, the now former shadow minister for media, gambling and sport, has contributed to gambling-related debates in Parliament and recently spoke at the Betting and Gaming Council's (BGC) annual general meeting, providing some potential insights into the top candidate to take over as gambling minister.
Speaking on financial risk checks in February 2024, Peacock agreed on the importance of making early interventions to prevent harm, but called for more clarity over what interactions would take place with consumers as a result of checks, due to the potential financial impact they could have on the racing industry.
Before the debate, Peacock held a roundtable with the racing industry, including the authors of a petition debated in Parliament to stop the implementation of betting affordability checks.
She warned the checks could result in a massive financial loss for the racing industry which could result in “lower prize money, decreasing participation, job losses in the rural economy and an overall decline in the sport”.
On March 13, Peacock contributed to a debate in the House of Commons on gambling advertising in sport, calling for a sports sponsorship code of conduct to be published.
“I hear the concerns about the impact of gambling advertising in sport on children and young people, as well as those vulnerable to harm. Given the reliance of many sports on gambling sponsorship for revenue, it is crucial that the governing bodies reflect on that relationship and issue their code of conduct as soon as possible,” Peacock said.
In practice, the code could include “a requirement that replica kits be available without gambling logos, a commitment to reinvest sponsorship funds into grassroots activities, the use of sponsorship to promote safer gambling messages and the protection of those in family areas in stadiums from being able to see gambling advertising,” according to the MP.
Separately, speaking at trade group the Betting and Gaming Council’s (BGC) annual general meeting on February 29, she acknowledged concerns that have been raised about the rates the statutory levy has set for certain groups in the industry as well as how we ensure funds raised are used effectively to reduce harm.
“We will monitor whether the consultation response can provide clarity on this and ensure unnecessary double charges are avoided, rates are set fairly and resources are spent wisely,” Peacock said.
She also said that any future government should work with the National Lottery to ensure it takes “their fair share of responsibility for safer gambling”, adding there is “frustration” that it is exempt from many voluntary and compulsory measures.
A YouGov/Times voting intention poll released on May 23 shows that 21 percent of people intend to vote for the current ruling Conservatives and 46 percent for Labour.
