GRH APPG urges BGC to increase safer gambling measures during lockdown

Carolyn Harris MP has called for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) to expand on its suspension of TV and radio gaming advertising during the COVID-19 lockdown ‘to truly protect vulnerable people at this time’.

The Chair of the Gambling Related Harm APPG released a letter sent to Brigid Simmonds OBE, Chair of the BGC, which welcomed the recent decision but called for more measures to be put in place.

In a series of bullet pointed requests, the GRH APPG called for the BGC to release the findings of its ‘evidence-based approach’ which informed the decision to suspend advertising.

Among the other requests was a suggestion that the BGC should provide data on the uptake of online gambling over the past three months compared to the same three month period last year, and information on VIP status figures over the same period.

The GRH APPG has also asked the BGC whether it will continue to restrict advertising once the lockdown has been lifted, and whether it will also restrict all advertising, promotion, marketing and sponsorship including on social media and affiliate marketing. 

Calls were also made to implement a £2 stake-per-spin limit during lockdown, as well as increase actions to end VIP accounts, all gambling advertising and sign up offers for bonuses. The cross-party group of MPs also urged the BGC to make data available to ensure independent research can be undertaken.

Carolyn Harris is speaking at the inaugural SBC Digital Summit as part of the Gambling in Society panel on Friday 1 May. 

There is still time to register for the event, with company discounts available: https://sbcevents.com/sbc-digital-summit/tickets/