Labour Manifesto Promises to Work WITH Casino Sites for Gambling Regulatory Reform
Among the many topics covered, one significant area was their plans for gambling industry reform, a brief mention that nonetheless carries substantial implications.
With the general election drawing nearer and Labour’s lead in the polls continuing to widen, the spotlight was firmly on the party's leader, Keir Starmer, as he revealed their manifesto.
Among the many topics covered, one significant area was their plans for gambling industry reform, a brief mention that nonetheless carries substantial implications.
The announcement came after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a surprise election for July, plunging the UK gambling industry into a state of uncertainty regarding potential regulatory changes. As Labour is predicted to oust the Conservatives with a decisive victory on July 4, the industry's future now appears tied to the policies outlined by Starmer and his team.
On June 13, Starmer launched the Labour Party Manifesto 2024, emphasising wealth generation, green energy, and reducing NHS waiting times. Those hoping for a detailed plan on gambling reforms might have felt underwhelmed, as the manifesto contained only a single paragraph on the subject.
Gambling Contents of the Labour Manifesto
Within the section titled ‘Build an NHS fit for the future,’ the manifesto states:
“Labour is committed to reducing gambling-related harm. Recognizing 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.”
The issue of gambling reform has been prominent in UK politics recently. The Conservative government introduced a white paper last April, aimed at updating the 2005 Gambling Act to better suit the digital age. However, with Labour likely to take over, there is uncertainty about whether these reforms will proceed as planned or face delays under new leadership. This is something UK casino sites and other gambling businesses will be following closely in the coming months.
The potential delays have raised concerns within the gambling industry. Last month, UK gambling trade body Bacta suggested that an early general election could impact the government's white paper recommendations, potentially causing further delays.
Despite some industry hopes for clearer guidance on potential delays or changes, Labour’s manifesto provided limited detail. Nonetheless, it offered more insights into gambling than the Conservative counterpart. Sunak’s ‘Our Plan’ manifesto, released on July 11, did not mention the gambling industry or any proposed changes from the previous year’s white paper, such as affordability checks or the research, education, and treatment levy.
While the Conservatives have largely avoided discussing gambling in their plans, the topic has not been absent from their narrative. This week, Sunak’s close aide Craig Williams was reported to have placed a bet on a July election shortly before its announcement, bringing additional attention to the issue.
On the other hand, the Liberal Democrats have taken a stronger stance, proposing “effective” affordability checks and measures to reduce black market activity. In contrast, the Green Party did not address gambling in their manifesto.
Working WITH Casino Sites
Labour’s approach, focusing on working with the industry to ensure responsible gambling, acknowledges the economic contribution of the sector while emphasising the need for stronger protections.
As the election approaches, the gambling industry and its stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Labour’s policies unfold and shape the future of gambling in the UK.