Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to stop illegal gambling apps that are using registration; and what support will be put in place for victims of these apps.

The issue of illegal gambling is a concern for this government. We are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed.

As part of the 2025 Budget, the Treasury announced that the Gambling Commission will receive an additional £26 million across three years to increase investment, resources and capacity to tackle the illegal market. In addition, the Crime and Policing Act, which received Royal Assent in April 2026, enables the Commission to apply for new powers to obtain orders to suspend internet protocol addresses and internet domain names linked to illegal gambling. We also launched the Illegal Gambling Taskforce at the beginning of this year which brings together a wide range of stakeholders to take action against the illegal market.

We also recognise the impact that harmful gambling can have on individuals, families and communities and are committed to further strengthening measures to protect those at risk. The statutory gambling levy, established last year, provides independent and sustainable funding for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. Approximately 50% of this funding will go to NHS England and Scottish and Welsh Governments to work with providers, including the third sector, to increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm.