MPs Urge UK Government to Strengthen Protections Against Gambling-Related Harms

In a letter to the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Committee outlined a series of recommendations aimed at improving regulation and public protection.

The call for reform follows an evidence session held on April 2 and a subsequent meeting with campaign group Gambling with Lives on April 22. Experts highlighted the growing impact of gambling on public health, citing estimates that between 117 and 496 deaths in England each year are linked to gambling-related harms.

Central to the Committee’s concerns are gaps in current regulations around gambling advertising, sponsorship, and data practices. With around 80% of the population exposed to gambling ads weekly, MPs are urging restrictions on advertising before the watershed and a review of gambling sponsorship in sport. They argue that greater control is needed over how the industry markets its products, especially those deemed high-risk or highly addictive.

The Committee also raised alarm over the future of specialist gambling treatment services, following NHS England’s decision to discontinue its role in commissioning such care. MPs have asked for urgent clarification on which agency will take over these responsibilities to ensure continued support for those affected.

Additionally, the Committee is recommending that the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) launch a national awareness campaign to educate the public about the risks associated with gambling. They stress the importance of a risk-based approach to regulation, where the most dangerous gambling products are subject to stricter controls.

“The regulation of gambling must account for the varying levels of harm associated with different products,” the Committee stated. “We believe OHID cannot meaningfully prevent gambling-related harms without addressing the advertising practices and broader commercial strategies of the gambling sector.”

The letter underscores a growing consensus among MPs that the current legislative framework is no longer fit for purpose and must be updated to reflect the evolving nature of gambling and its impact on health.