Gambling Levy Regulations 2025

Debate between Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate and Lord Watts

Wednesday 12th February 2025 Grand Committee

[Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Con)]

The noble Lord is right. I do not think I can go much further because I am just making my views clear. I have certainly had direct contact with a number of organisations, in the charity field and other fields, which think that the matter is out of hand. I said it was “out of hand” in the Chamber earlier this week. It is out of hand. Consequently, while I welcome these provisions, I am pleading with the Government to get greater control of this, because it is unacceptable. Of course, online gambling is another area where it has burgeoned completely, and that seems to be in greater need. I know there is reference to that in the second of these two statutory instruments. It is completely out of control as well.

I am sorry to be so negative about this. I welcome the levy, at least, and, notwithstanding my questions about dispensation, I support the Government in what they are trying to do.

[Lord Watts (Lab)]

I very much welcome this legislation, which is overdue. I was a member of the Select Committee that looked at gambling, and we were very concerned about the lack of action, so I am pleased to see that the Government are taking action and have brought this forward.

I have two questions, the first of which is about the distribution of resources. We found that there were a number of organisations which were sometimes in conflict with each other. There needs to be co-ordination to make sure that we get effective spend and that spending results in the things that we want to see. Secondly, I am concerned about the growth of offshore gambling. It grew by a sizeable amount last year and is growing very fast. It is unregulated and will not be touched by this legislation. Will the Minister say something about that? It is of concern to the industry as well as to the public.

Overall, this strikes the right balance. I disagree with the previous point that there is plenty of evidence; there is not plenty of evidence that we can scrutinise. There needs to be proper scrutiny and accountability.