Lucy Powell comments ahead of the expected publication of the Gambling White Paper

Lucy Powell MP, Labour’s Shadow Culture Secretary, speaking ahead of the expected publication of the Gambling White Paper tomorrow, said:

“The government’s gambling policy has been beset by chaos, infighting and delay. The vast majority of people who gamble do so in moderation and bingo and the races are part of the British way of life, but for some families gambling has devastating consequences.

“Gambling regulation has not kept pace with the huge explosion there is with gambling online and on smart phones, with few checks and balances. We’ve had ten different ministers in charge of gambling policy since a White Paper was first promised with dire results for those harmed by unscrupulous practices.

“There is broad consensus in Parliament that we need to update analogue gambling regulation so it is fit for the digital age, yet the Conservatives’ failure to govern means this is still some way off. We will work to ensure that gambling laws are urgently updated.”