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

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether allowing the use of debit cards and digital payment wallets in land-based gambling venues will prevent (1) their closure, (2) a decline in revenue, or (3) job losses.

The use of debit cards and digital payment wallets is currently permitted for a range of gambling and non-gambling activities in land-based gambling venues in Great Britain. The Gaming Machines (Circumstances of Use) Regulations 2007 prohibit the direct use of debit cards on gaming machines. The full regulations can be seen here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2007/2319/contents/made

In our manifesto, we set out our intention to reduce gambling-related harm, strengthen protections for those at risk, and work with the industry to ensure responsible gambling. We are in the early stages of the new Government and are still considering the full range of gambling policy. We will consider the best available evidence from a wide range of sources to inform decisions on how best to fulfil our manifesto commitments.