Written questions by Cooper.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the research report by the Irish Economic and Social Research Institute entitled Childhood gambling experiences and adult problem gambling, published in June 2024.

The Government recognises the importance of using impartial, accurate and up-to-date research on gambling behaviour and harms, including relevant evidence from jurisdictions similar to Great Britain. We are committed to ensuring that policy decisions are guided by the best available evidence from a broad range of reliable sources.We note the findings of the report titled ‘Childhood gambling experiences and adult problem gambling’.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to safeguard children and young people from gambling, including in later life, through the regulation of advertising, marketing and product design.

There are already a wide variety of measures in place to protect children and young people from being exposed to gambling advertising, marketing and products.For example, gambling advertising must not be targeted at children, through ensuring that it does not appear in media created for children or for which children make up 25% or more of the audience. In May last year, we introduced a £2 maximum stake limit on online slots for 18-24 year olds, who can be particularly vulnerable to harms associated with high stakes play. We also welcome the commencement of the Premier League’s ban on front-of-shirt sponsorship by gambling firms by the end of the 2025/26 season.However, we recognise that children and young people’s exposure to gambling is an important issue. We remain committed to strengthening measures to protect those at risk of gambling harm and will continue to work with industry and gambling harm campaigners. We will also redouble our efforts to work across government and with tech platforms to address illegal gambling advertising, which poses the most risk for children and young people.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with Premier League clubs on gambling sponsorship on their websites.

All major sporting bodies, including the Premier League, have published their gambling sponsorship Codes of Conduct, setting minimum standards for socially responsible gambling sponsorships. As part of the Code of Conduct, clubs must ensure that no gambling sponsor logos or other promotional materials relating to gambling sponsorship appear on sections of their website which are designed to be viewed and used specifically by children. The Premier League’s decision to ban front-of-shirt sponsorship by gambling firms will also commence by the end of the 2025/26 season.The Department will closely monitor the implementation of the Codes to ensure they have a meaningful impact.

Media and Sport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of further gambling industry regulation being considered by her Department on levels of economic growth.

The previous Government’s white paper published in April 2023 assessed the impact of key proposals contained in the paper. The estimates did not quantify the impact of all proposals and are expected to have changed in light of updated evidence and finalised policy decisions.Regulatory Impact Assessments (RIAs) are currently being developed to estimate the anticipated impacts of key proposed legislative measures. Assessments for measures in scope of the Government’s Better Regulation Framework will undergo scrutiny from the Regulatory Policy Committee (RPC) and the impact assessments will be published alongside the RPC opinion.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of pausing the measures on adult gambling centres announced in the Gambling White Paper.

The Government is committed to strengthening protections to ensure that people can continue to enjoy gambling as a pastime without the harms that can ensue from harmful gambling. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all stakeholders in order to support the sector and ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk.The Minister for Gambling has met and held wide-ranging discussions with a range of stakeholders, including the British Amusement Catering Trade Association. We will provide further updates to the House soon.

Media and Sport, when she plans to introduce a statutory levy on gambling operators.

The implementation of a statutory levy is under consideration as part of the Government commitment to tackle gambling harm. The Minister for Gambling has recently met and held wide-ranging discussions with the Betting and Gaming Council, the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, British Horseracing Association, GambleAware, Gambling with Lives and others.We will provide further updates to the House soon.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with (a) gambling companies and (b) relevant trade associations on the potential introduction of a statutory levy.

The implementation of a statutory levy is under consideration as part of the Government commitment to tackle gambling harm. The Minister for Gambling has recently met and held wide-ranging discussions with the Betting and Gaming Council, the British Amusement Catering Trade Association, British Horseracing Association, GambleAware, Gambling with Lives and others.We will provide further updates to the House soon.