Baroness Twycross told a House of Lords panel that the UK government has no plans at this time for further gambling advertising restrictions, according to the report. She said there was no clear link between marketing and increased harm and defended the government’s cautious approach to additional curbs.
Operators and advertisers have no announced additional UK advertising restrictions to prepare for at this time.
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The UK government has outlined the remit of its Illegal Gambling Taskforce, launched in January to address unlicensed gambling. It will focus on disrupting related financial transactions and online advertising, and improving coordination on enforcement; the government said the taskforce will not direct or replace the Gambling Commission’s powers. The group will run for 12 months, with possible renewal.
The UK government ended its review of the Horserace Betting Levy without changing its 10% rate, according to a written statement repeated in the Commons. It also ruled out extending the levy to bets on overseas racing. The British Horseracing Authority criticised the decision, while the Betting and Gaming Council welcomed it.
The Betting and Gaming Council said Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham North, will become the UK's gambling minister, replacing Baroness Twycross. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport had not confirmed the appointment, the report said.
Vicky Foxcroft has been confirmed as the new gambling minister, replacing Baroness Twycross. Twycross moves to the Cabinet Office in a reshuffle by new prime minister Andy Burnham. Foxcroft had previously called for evidence-based regulation.
It was reported that Baroness Twycross will stay at DCMS. Whether she will keep the gambling minister portfolio had not been confirmed.