Oral Answers to Questions

Michelle Donelan Excerpts

Thursday 21st June 2018 Commons Chamber

[Alex Burghart (Brentwood and Ongar) (Con)]

5. What steps his Department is taking to reduce problem gambling.

[Michelle Donelan (Chippenham) (Con)]

11. What steps his Department is taking to reduce problem gambling.

[The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (Matt Hancock)]

We take problem gambling very seriously and have taken decisive action on fixed odds betting terminals. We are determined to tackle that social blight and have decided to cut the maximum stake to £2.

[Matt Hancock]

In our response to the consultation, we set out significant further steps to strengthen the safeguards for online gambling. The Gambling Commission already has a whole series of requirements in that area. There is more to do, and we are getting on with it.

[Michelle Donelan]

As the Secretary of State knows, I am strongly supportive of the decision taken on FOBTs, but problem gambling is an issue in my constituency, especially among the vulnerable. What more can the Department do to push gambling companies to better support addicts?

[Matt Hancock]

I am grateful for my hon. Friend’s support and for that of many Members across the House for the action we are taking on problem gambling. Clearly it is important to ensure that we tackle online issues as well. That is complicated by the nature of the technology, but the Gambling Commission is working hard to ensure that the right protections are in place.