Member

A focus on the evidence base is clear from the Government’s responsiveness to feedback from the consultation on gambling, in which it was shown that different forms of gambling carry different levels of harm and, of course, costs to operate. Instead of imposing a flat rate across the sector, this Government will be taking a more nuanced approach, imposing the highest rates on remote gaming, which carries the biggest risk of harm, while protecting lower-harm forms of gambling such as the local bingo hall. Part of the revenue raised will go into research on, prevention of and treatment of gambling harms. That replaces a voluntary system that some operators exploited, contributing as little as £1 a year. The new levies will take into account differences in operating costs and the different levels of harm across gambling activities. It is estimated that £810 million will be generated from these measures in 2026-27, rising to £1 billion by 2030-31. This is money that, as well as tackling gambling harms, can go into our NHS, our social care and our schools. People will still be free to gamble if they choose, but these measures discourage the most harmful forms of online betting and gaming, while supporting lower-risk, community-focused activities. The abolition of bingo duty supports that too, as well as protecting jobs and local social spaces. This measure is informed by Labour values.