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A YouGov report for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) revealed 71% of the public believes Government health warnings similar to those on cigarette packets would not deter people from gambling.Moreover, almost half believe banning promotions such as free bets wouldn’t solve the issue of problem gambling.
‘Positive Impact’
Anti-gambling lobbyists who insist on draconian measures around gambling believe both measures would have a positive impact on gambling-related harm, despite the latest figures showing gambling problems remain low at 0.3% down from 0.4% previously.Only 3% of the participants agreed enforcing compulsory betting products would be “very effective” and 8% believe banning free bets would be “very effective at preventing problem gambling”.The study comes as the Government prepares to disclose the Gambling Reform White paper, new regulations to the outdated gambling act.In the UK, around 22.5 million people buy lottery tickets, play bingo, wager at a casino or bet on sports.
Problem gambling Rates Low
Michael Dugher Chief Executive for the Betting and Gaming Council said, “Problem gambling rates in the UK are low and have fallen, but still the anti-gambling lobbyists – prohibitionists who just want to ban things – are pushing for draconian measures which will only stigmatise those who enjoy a harmless flutter.“Measures like these, however well-meaning, will only serve to drive punters from the regulated sector to the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market where the numbers betting have doubled in recent years and the amount staked is in the billions.“Anti-gambling prohibitionists are determined to treat betting like tobacco and to treat punters like smokers – but these two things are worlds apart and should be regulated entirely different.”Each year the regulated betting and gaming market raises billions in taxes while employing one hundred thousand people.