Labour backs the 2023 Gambling White Paper

A likely Labour government

With Keir Starmer’s Labour Party steaming ahead in the opinion polls it’s reasonable at this stage to anticipate he will be forming the next government after the 4 July election. 

I’m not assuming (you know what that translates to – making an ‘ass’ out of ‘u’ and ‘me’), but anticipating. And with yesterday’s YouGov poll showing Labour on 37%, Reform on 19%, the Conservatives on 17% and Lib Dems on 14% it’s hard to anticipate anything other than a Labour victory and Sir Keir Starmer (did you know his father was a toolmaker?) installed as our next PM. 

And of course then, Angela Rayner playing ‘Robin’ to Sir Keir’s ‘Batman’. Interesting times ahead.

What then?

So, Labour forms a government. The DEI industry celebrates its increased status and swollen numbers and millions of working folk look forward to paying more tax – something that will only impact a modest proportion of those who voted in the new government.

The toolmaker’s son has a lengthy ‘to do’ list, and one that will likely change as the wind blows, so we won’t look too far ahead. 

But what are they going to do about the gambling industry?

Well, the short answer is: nothing radical.

And the long answer is: 

‘Labour is committed to reducing gambling-related harm. Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections. We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.’ 

That’s it. That’s the sum total of what appears in Labour’s 2024 Manifesto as far as gambling is concerned. (It appears in the ‘Action on public health’ section of the manifesto.)

Cynics will likely huff and puff, spluttering, ‘Is that it?’ Some had perhaps been hoping for a ban on anyone under the age of 40 being able to place a bet, or reducing the maximum online slot stake to 5p.

A thumbs up for the White Paper

On the other hand… let’s put a positive spin on this (something politicians are wont to do). It’s a massive vote of confidence in what UK gambling regulators pulled together over the last few years to create the 2023 White Paper and are now rolling out.

Labour is effectively saying to the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders: ‘What you’re doing looks good, and we endorse it.’

Michael Dugher, CEO and Acting Chair of the Betting and Gaming Council offered a favourable reception to the manifesto pledge: 

‘We welcome Labour’s general election manifesto and its commitment to continue working with the industry to further drive up standards.’ 

We will have to wait and see if Labour resists the urge to tinker with the plan, but remain cautiously optimistic that the White Paper changes will be implemented as outlined. 

Same old Tories?

And in other unrelated, but related, news it was reported that Craig Williams, a senior Conservative aide and candidate for the seat of Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr in Wales, placed a £100 bet on a July general election just a few days before the 4 July date was announced. Williams later apologised for his “huge error of judgement”.

Same old Tories, some will say.