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The Liberal Democrats are the only major UK political party so far to address gambling in its 2024 manifesto, reigniting concerns that the election could cause delays in implementing Gambling Act Review proposals.
The Conservative Party, whose 2019 manifesto included a pledge to conduct the Gambling Act Review, made no mention of gambling in its 2024 manifesto published on June 11.聽
Similarly, the Green Party鈥檚 and Reform UK鈥檚 manifestos also have no mention of gambling.
The Liberal Democrats manifesto says it will combat the harms caused by problem gambling through the planned compulsory levy on gambling companies to fund research, education and treatment.
Additionally, the Liberal Democrats would restrict gambling advertising, establish a gambling ombudsman, implement affordability checks and take 鈥渢ough action against black market gambling鈥.
The Labour Party, which is a strong favourite in the polls to win the election, is set to release its manifesto on Thursday (June 13).
Imogen Moss, solicitor for licensing law firm Poppleston Allen, said: 鈥淎 delay seems most likely 鈥 nothing will happen in respect of the DCMS work on gambling reform until later into the summer now, at the earliest.
"Elections are always an uncertain time for any sector, but much of the hard work has been done already by gambling industry professionals. The statutory instruments were likely only a few weeks away, before the election was announced,鈥 Moss said.
These changes requiring updates to legislation are on hold for now, including changes to machine entitlements in bingo venues, the introduction of a statutory levy, the creation of Ombudsman and cashless payments, according to Moss.聽聽
鈥淭he likelihood is that little will happen between now and the election, and with summer recess shortly after, we may be looking to autumn until we get any further substantial updates,鈥 Moss said.
One thing that is certain, is the UK will be getting a new gambling minister, as Stuart Andrew is not running for re-election as an MP, as his constituency will no longer exist after the next election.
The frontrunner to replace Andrew is Labour MP candidate Stephanie Peacock, the now former shadow minister for media, gambling and sport, who has contributed to gambling-related debates in parliament and recently spoke at the Betting and Gaming Council's (BGC) annual general meeting, providing some potential insights into the top candidate to take over as gambling minister.
