Gambling Reform APPG

The APPG on Gambling Reform strongly welcomes the Government’s decision to appoint the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) as the prevention commissioner under the new statutory levy. Today’s announcement provides much-needed certainty around the independence of funding that the APPG has long-called for.

The introduction of the Levy, and the appointment of OHID as the prevention commissioner is a significant and long-overdue step in recognising gambling harm as a major public health concern. It is only right that the nation’s public health agency takes the lead in spearheading prevention under the new system, and we are delighted that the Government has chosen OHID to do so.

The APPG has tirelessly campaigned for independent oversight and a stronger public health response to gambling-related harm. We now look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Statutory Levy is implemented effectively, with funding directed towards evidence-based research, prevention, and treatment.

The Government must now introduce other prevention measures outlined in the White Paper, including the introduction of an ombudsman to provide those harmed with the right of redress, and the role of financial risk assessments.

The APPG also remains committed to pushing the Government to consider issues omitted from the White Paper, including gambling advertising, the need for improved regulation of the land-based sector, and the role of emerging technologies in proliferating gambling harms.”