MPs and peers warn that thousands of 11 to 16-year-olds are now gambling addicts
In a letter to The Telegraph, a group of prominent government officials and religious leaders, 100 Members of Parliament, and 18 bishops, are collectively worried that “more than 55,000 children aged 11-16 are problem gamblers.” The core of the proposal is that bets should have a maximum limit of £2.
If the proposal becomes law, UK gamblers may be restricted to spending £100 ($133) per month. The changes include a limit on online betting of £2 and the requirement that gambling operators apply strict affordability checks for their customers to ensure they don’t spend more than they can afford.
According to the group, the data originates in Public Health England, which asserts that the social and economic consequences of gambling could include family breakdowns, various health problems, unemployment, and serious financial problems, including bankruptcy.
The UK is currently reviewing its gambling laws and regulations aiming to set better protection to the vulnerable population, in a new framework expected to come early next year.
In numbers, the group says that the economic and social cost of gambling is at least £1.27 billion (US $1.69 billion) per year, and limiting the way people can bet online, would reduce that cost and the impact on society.
However, according to data from the country’s regulators, UKGC, problem gambling is actually down in the country, with “moderate risk rate” down 50% (from 1.4% to 0.7%) from June 2020 to June 2021.
