Stoke MP: Reforms must protect jobs and raise industry standards
Date: 2023-10-10 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: EVENTS
Stoke MP Jo Gideon commented on the ongoing consultation on the white paper. Reflecting the sentiments of many of her Conservative colleagues, Gideon criticized the indecisiveness that has followed the publication of the White Paper and asked the UKGC to "follow the policy direction" set by the government.
Gideon highlighted the importance of the industry to Stoke-on-Trent, one of the UK's largest gambling centres. The hub is home to global online casino operator bet365, which is a major driver of the local economy.
For reference, bet365 employs around 4,000 people, creating wealth and opportunity for the region.
Gideon concluded that the white paper was, in her words, “balanced, proportionate and makes important decisions consistent with the evidence.” She acknowledged that gambling carried some risks and agreed that UK gambling law needed to keep up with the times.
However, Gideon believes that indecisiveness can only harm the industry as it creates uncertainty for both businesses and customers.
"Eight separate consultations have been announced in the white paper and proposals arising from these consultations could have huge implications for the betting and gaming sector and for Stoke. "It is vital that we get this right if we are to protect workers places and investments." Joe Gideon
UKGC must follow the government's direction
The first series of white paper consultations, which runs until October 18, discusses proposed accessibility checks, game design, age verification and advertising. A second round of consultations is already planned and will focus on the much-debated mandatory Research, Education and Treatment (RET) levy.
Gideon believes it is vital to get the consultation right if the UK is to protect industrial jobs and investment. She added that the UK Gambling Commission has a big role to play and must ensure that the final proposals do not deviate from the direction the government has set out.
"This is particularly true regarding the thorny issue of accessibility checks. When they were proposed as part of the white paper, we were told they would be simple and would be implemented without customers' knowledge." Joe Gideon
Gideon warned that the disruptive checks risk alienating UK players and pushing them towards unregulated and unsafe black market operators.
Gideon noted that the upcoming elections will likely change that. She called on her successor to do as she did and put people before politics if they were to ensure Stoke's continued success.
Gideon highlighted the importance of the industry to Stoke-on-Trent, one of the UK's largest gambling centres. The hub is home to global online casino operator bet365, which is a major driver of the local economy.
For reference, bet365 employs around 4,000 people, creating wealth and opportunity for the region.
Gideon concluded that the white paper was, in her words, “balanced, proportionate and makes important decisions consistent with the evidence.” She acknowledged that gambling carried some risks and agreed that UK gambling law needed to keep up with the times.
However, Gideon believes that indecisiveness can only harm the industry as it creates uncertainty for both businesses and customers.
"Eight separate consultations have been announced in the white paper and proposals arising from these consultations could have huge implications for the betting and gaming sector and for Stoke. "It is vital that we get this right if we are to protect workers places and investments." Joe Gideon
UKGC must follow the government's direction
The first series of white paper consultations, which runs until October 18, discusses proposed accessibility checks, game design, age verification and advertising. A second round of consultations is already planned and will focus on the much-debated mandatory Research, Education and Treatment (RET) levy.
Gideon believes it is vital to get the consultation right if the UK is to protect industrial jobs and investment. She added that the UK Gambling Commission has a big role to play and must ensure that the final proposals do not deviate from the direction the government has set out.
"This is particularly true regarding the thorny issue of accessibility checks. When they were proposed as part of the white paper, we were told they would be simple and would be implemented without customers' knowledge." Joe Gideon
Gideon warned that the disruptive checks risk alienating UK players and pushing them towards unregulated and unsafe black market operators.
Gideon noted that the upcoming elections will likely change that. She called on her successor to do as she did and put people before politics if they were to ensure Stoke's continued success.
