Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility

Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury Excerpts

Thursday 17th May 2018 Lords Chamber

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I think that there is a possibility of drift, as the noble Lord called it, and we have certainly taken that into account. The most obvious point is that gambling will move online from betting shops, but there is an advantage in that, in that it is an account-based system. With the data that comes from online sources, gambling operators are able to spot problem gamblers using modern technology, artificial intelligence, algorithms and things like that. We have said to the gambling industry that we expect it to use this technology to improve the way in which it spots problem gamblers, and I think that it will be a lot easier for it to do that when it moves online. However, it is of course a problem and we will be monitoring it. We have put forward specific proposals in today’s response to address it.

[Lord Sherbourne of Didsbury (Con)]

My Lords, I too congratulate the department on undertaking a very effective consultation exercise and then taking very decisive action. Does my noble friend the Minister agree that this is an example that other government departments could usefully follow?

[Lord Ashton of Hyde]

I am sure that the Secretary of State would agree with that. The difference here is that it was a very popular decision, which always makes it easier.