Mandatory levy for gambling companies - Watson

Tom Watson MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, responding to news that gambling companies have pledged £60 million to help gambling addicts, said:

“Any rise in the amount spent on research, education and treatment of problem gambling is welcome but too many gambling companies still shirk their responsibilities. That is why Labour remains committed to introducing a mandatory levy. 

“The providers of research and treatment of problem gambling need the guarantees of consistent funding and a proper structure that only comes with a mandatory levy.”

Ends

Notes to editors:

·       Labour committed to a 1% mandatory levy in our gambling review announced in September 2019

·       A mandatory levy would raise over £100m a year for research, education and treatment, far more than the £60m a year announced today 

·       Labour is committed to placing the NHS at the heart of all commissioning statements over RET

·       Last month Tom Watson called for a gambling ombudsman to protect consumers from predatory gambling companies

·       Story here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-48834683