The U.K. is in the midst of an intense, 35-day snap election that will determine if the Conservative Party stays in power, or if Labour knocks it off its throne of 14 years. The resurgent Labor party has promised to continue to “strengthen protections” in responsible gaming and betting, Yogonet reported June 14.
Election day is July 4, and all parties have released their party platforms, including Labour’s plans should its leader, Keir Starmer be elected the new Prime Minister.
The U.K. is in the middle of a major overhaul of its gambling industry, the first since 2005, with changes called for by the white paper issued last year.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) said it welcomes some of the pledges Labour has made, including an involuntary levy of operators to pay for problem gambling, an ombudsman to give consumers a way to have their complaints addressed, frictionless financial risk assessments online, and stake limits for online slots. Some other Labour proposals include a sponsorship code for sports and modernization of brick and mortar casino regulations.
BGC CEO and Acting Chairman Michael Dugher said in a statement: “On behalf of our members, the 110,000 people whose jobs rely on the regulated betting and gaming industry, and the 22.5 million people who enjoy a bet each month, we welcome Labour’s general election manifesto and its commitment to continue working with the industry to further drive up standards.”
Dugher noted that the members are in the midst of “the biggest regulatory changes in a generation” which Labour supported, as did much of the industry. This includes “protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unregulated black market.”
The chairman reiterated the BGC’s commitment to “working with the next government to continue to implement change as part of the regulatory changes outlined in the White Paper, ensuring those measures get the balance right.”
He added, “BGC has long treated Labor as not merely the official opposition in parliament, but as a government in waiting. We have worked closely with shadow ministers in recent years and we strongly welcome their commitment in the manifesto to work with the regulated industry.”
