Damian Collins, the former secretary of state for technology, the digital economy and gambling, has said that “urgent legislative action” is needed to control the growth of the offshore gambling market.
Writing for Politics Home, he said regulation has failed to keep pace with the rapid advances in technology that are rapidly transforming the sector.
Collins focused on the problems of the traditional sector, calling for measures to protect it from the pressures of the online market.
The former Conservative MP predicted that the fears and focus of government and politicians will shift from customer experience to the growth of the offshore market.
Collins called on the Labour government and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to implement the changes proposed in the gambling White paper as quickly as possible. He stressed that “the casino industry cannot wait any longer” and that “the uncertainty represents a major blow to an industry already struggling to recover from the ordeal it has endured during the pandemic.”
The main aim of the changes is to modernize the sector and transform casinos into hubs for a comprehensive entertainment experience. This includes the introduction of new technology and equipment.
The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has previously expressed hope that Labour will work swiftly with the industry to deliver the necessary regulatory overhaul in a timely manner.
As the dust settled on the election and a new Prime Minister settled in to number 10, Betting and Gaming Council Chair, Michael Dugher, commented: “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 victory and its commitment to continue working with the industry.
“On hard-pressed high streets through bookmakers, in the leisure and tourism sector through casinos and bingo halls and in tech, where our members are genuine world beaters, this is a sector ready to contribute to growth, jobs and investment in the economy. We are investing in virtually every constituency in the land and we look forward to working with all the newly elected Members of Parliament.”
BGC also noted the importance of political stability in developing an effective regulatory framework for the industry.
Dugher added: “BGC members are currently in the midst of the biggest regulatory changes in a generation following the publication of the White Paper, which Labour supported, and much of this work will carry on now the election is complete. Our members have the much needed political certainty they need to plan and invest for a sustainable future.
“This work is backed up by the industry’s own significant efforts to drive world-class standards and protections for the vulnerable, which has transformed the sector in recent years and stands in marked contrast to the dangers posed by the unsafe, unregulated black market online.
“The BGC and our members remain committed to working with Labour to implement the evidence-based, proportionate, regulatory changes outlined in the White Paper, ensuring those measures get the balance right between protecting the vulnerable, while allowing the vast majority of punters who enjoy betting responsibly to continue doing so without unnecessary intrusion.
“The BGC had long treated Labour as a government in waiting, working closely with shadow ministers in recent years, on behalf of our members and their millions of customers.
“Our work to drive up standards and champion a world leading British industry carries on and we look forward to partnering with Labour – as they have pledged – in this vitally important work.”
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