Encouraged by backing from the Gambling Minister, a White Paper receives support
Gambling Reform Proposals in the UK: Implementation Progressing Gradually
The UK's Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, has indicated that the long-awaited gambling reform proposals outlined in the Gambling White Paper, published in April 2023, will be implemented soon. This comes after the Labour Party, according to Baroness Twycross, was broadly supportive of the White Paper before the snap general election.
At the Labour Party Conference, Baroness Twycross spoke about the gambling brief for the first time, emphasizing the need to strengthen protections for those at risk of gambling addiction. She also mentioned that Civil Servants have been preparing for the reform proposals for some time.
George McGregor, Executive Director (Government Relations) at UK trade association Bacta, was encouraged by the Minister's speech. McGregor attended the Labour Party Conference alongside Bacta President John Bollom and is looking forward to meeting with Baroness Twycross on 3 October to further develop Bacta's social and economic case.
The formal consultation on major measures like the statutory levy concluded in December 2023, and the government intends to publish a formal response setting out final decisions before moving to implement the reforms. As of mid-2025, reforms are progressing but no explicit implementation date has been announced. Continued updates from the Gambling Commission and government indicate that regulatory changes are forthcoming but still under development.
Baroness Twycross underlined the cross-party support for the Gambling White Paper at the conference, and the feeling in the room during her speech was that she is both pragmatic and proportionate. Bacta's contributions to the White Paper were all evidence-based, focusing on commitments to safer gambling and the ability to contribute to the government's growth agenda.
[1] Gambling Commission [4] Bacta
- The Gambling Commission, as Civil Servants prepare for the reform proposals, will likely have a key role in implementing the regulations aimed at strengthening protections, especially for those at risk of gambling addiction, as outlined in the Gambling White Paper.
- Bacta, a UK trade association, continues to engage with the Minister for Gambling, Baroness Twycross, to further develop their social and economic case, particularly in relation to casino-and-gambling establishments, as the progress of gambling reforms follows due process.
