A new inquiry has been launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform to reassess the state of gambling regulation across Great Britain. Set to run until 12 September, the inquiry aims to collect evidence that will guide potential reform and ensure that current legislation adequately addresses the growing concern around gambling-related harm, particularly from a public health perspective.
The initiative comes at a time of heightened scrutiny surrounding gambling practices, and the APPG plans to evaluate whether existing regulatory frameworks remain appropriate in today’s evolving digital landscape. As part of the inquiry, a series of evidence sessions will take place, covering a broad spectrum of topics identified by the APPG as priorities for review.
Topics Span Public Health, Finance, and Legislative Gaps
Among the main areas for investigation is the effectiveness and adequacy of current gambling legislation.The APPG will consider how these rules intersect with wider sectors, including public health, financial systems, taxation, and the broader UK economy.
There will be particular focus on harm minimisation strategies and on reviewing proposals outlined in the 2023 Gambling Act white paper. These proposals include introducing a statutory levy, implementing stake limits—especially for online slots —conducting financial risk assessments, and setting up an independent ombudsman to oversee consumer complaints.
The inquiry will also assess the current regulatory oversight provided by the Gambling Commission and other relevant authorities to determine if further changes are needed.
In addition to online gambling, the APPG is extending its review to land-based operations. It will scrutinise whether the proposed regulatory updates in the white paper go far enough to protect individuals in physical gambling environments. Furthermore, the group will analyse the extent to which advertising and promotional practices should be more tightly regulated.
A Revived APPG Pushes for Broader Reform
This latest iteration of the APPG builds upon the work of a previous parliamentary group—the All Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm—which was chaired by Labour MP Carolyn Harris. During her leadership, Harris consistently advocated for stronger industry controls. In a 2020 interview with iGB, she warned that “the writing’s on the wall” for the online sector, predicting increased restrictions.
That prediction became reality with the publication of the 2023 white paper, which introduced significant regulatory updates across the UK gambling sector.
Calls for More Action from APPG Leadership
Now, the renewed APPG, led by Conservative MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, is looking to further the momentum created by the white paper. Duncan Smith, who also chaired the group’s inquiry into the 2023 proposals, believes additional steps are needed to ensure that British regulation can adequately safeguard consumers in an increasingly digital environment.
“It is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure our regulatory framework is fit for the digital age to protect people from harm,” Duncan Smith stated. “This inquiry will play a crucial role in shaping our recommendations to government, and I strongly encourage organisations and individuals to submit evidence to help inform our work.”
Labour MP Alex Ballinger, who serves as vice chair of the APPG, echoed this sentiment. He said the group’s investigation would consider whether an entirely new Gambling Act is warranted.
“Today’s gambling industry requires stronger and more effective regulation across a range of areas – from advertising and taxation to the future of land-based gambling,” Ballinger said. “This inquiry will be wide-ranging, including asking if it is time for a new Gambling Act.”
Health Committee Aligns with APPG’s Concerns
Support for further reform is also coming from the Parliament’s Health and Social Care Committee. In May, the committee addressed a letter to the Department of Health and Social Care urging additional governmental intervention to reduce gambling harms and requested a second review of the Gambling Act.
However, not all reactions have been supportive. Industry representatives, including Tim Miller, CEO of the Gambling Commission, raised objections to the way evidence was presented during the committee’s session. They argued that the findings were misrepresented or failed to reflect the complexity of the issues at hand.
As the APPG inquiry progresses, it will seek to build a comprehensive picture of the regulatory gaps that still persist and gather expert and public input to guide future legislative changes.
Source:
‘’Gambling reform APPG launches new inquiry on regulation in Great Britain’’, igamingbusiness.com, July 17, 2025.
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