Gambling Reform APPG

Vice-Chairs of the Gambling Reform APPG, Alex Ballinger MP and Dr Beccy Cooper MP, comment on the recent intervention from Former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.

Alex Ballinger MP
Vice-Chair, APPG on Gambling Reform

I firmly support the proposals for fairer gambling taxation by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. He has identified an opportunity for the Government to tackle one of the most highly profitable and harmful industries in the UK, while alleviating child poverty at the same time. Taxing a social ill to pay for a social good is not just a fair approach, but one that makes economic sense.

Gambling operators are currently undertaxed compared to the harms they cause, international standards and other service industries. Raising taxes would curb the worst excesses of the gambling industry and improve the wellbeing of our country. The Government should act decisively and put the interests of the public ahead of industry profit. 

Beccy Cooper MP
Vice-Chair, APPG on Gambling Reform

I welcome the former Prime Minister’s proposals to increase tax rates on gambling operators, as set out in today’s Guardian column. As Gordon outlines, the excessive profits of gambling operators – particularly online operators – are built on debt and harm, with devastating impacts on public health. Online gambling places a direct cost to the taxpayer through higher spending on public services, placing significant pressure on our NHS. Yet, the Government fails to tax the industry in a way that properly reflects these social costs. Online gambling companies are not subject to VAT and face far lower rates of taxation than other harmful industries, like tobacco or alcohol. This Government therefore has a real opportunity to ensure online gambling companies contribute their fair share to society. I call on this Government to increase taxes on one of the most harmful industries, and in doing so, raise £3bn to lift half a million children out of poverty. At a time when we face shocking levels of both gambling harm and child poverty, this Government has an obligation to act – to protect our communities and wellbeing, and to give all our children the best possible start to life.