‘Men’s Health Strategy not tough enough on gambling harms’ – Health Committee Chair

The Health and Social Care Committee has today commented on the actions outlined in the Government's new Men's Health Strategyto tackle gambling related harms.

Committee Chair Layla Moran MP said:

“I welcome the Men's Health Strategy that rightly identifies the suffering that problem gambling wreaks on many people's lives. However I am concerned that it only contains measures to tackle the symptoms rather than getting tough on the causes. 

“Earlier this year the Committee recommended that the Government should consider regulations on gambling adverts, particularly to limit the frequency and kinds of promotions and incentives that can be sent to encourage individuals to gamble. Many local authorities struggle to prevent gambling venues from clustering on high streets in deprived areas, due to a lack of resources in the face of legal challenges. We also urged that planning regulations should be strengthened, and public health officials given a greater influence to stop new openings. 

“Practical action like these that would address the underlying causes driving gambling harms are sadly absent from the Government's plans.”

The Committee wrote to the Department of Health and Social Care with recommendations to reduce gambling-related harms earlier this year. Read about the letter here.