Scottish National Party (SNP) leader Nicola Sturgeon has called for a radical overhaul of British society’s digital engagements and identity, which would impact UK gambling. Presenting the party’s “Stronger for Scotland” 2019 General Election manifesto, Sturgeon underlined a continued push for the UK government to treat problem gambling as a public health matter.
Despite supporting a joined-up strategy on reducing problem gambling harms, SNP seeks greater devolution on gambling regulations attributed to the Scottish Parliament.
Of the political parties campaigning in the UK election, the SNP provides the greatest detail on gambling modifications it seeks to pursue. Key pledges include a backing a new public health inquiry into gambling-related harms and changes to charity lottery laws reducing bureaucracy and maximizing returns to good causes, according to SBC News.
The SNP also supports tougher measures preventing minors from engaging with gambling and tougher laws of gaming loot boxes. As a wider social pledge, the party supports new “online regulator” monitoring digital standards, “with the ability to take action such as imposing heavy fines and blocking access to sites” protecting younger audiences.
Central to its mandate, the SNP calls for a “levy on technology companies” to fund its regulator and further resources attached to funding public awareness campaigns.
To date, all manifestos published by UK parties, indicate that a review of the 2005 Gambling Act will be undertaken, regardless of the outcome of the UK general election on December 12.
