Gambling industry under the spotlight – Lords appoints committee to investigate social and economic impact of gambling
The House of Lords has today agreed to appoint a new special inquiry committee to investigate the social and economic impact of the gambling industry.
The Institute of Public Policy Research (IPPR), in their 2016 report on the cost of problem gambling to the Government, has estimated the cumulative cost to be between £260 million and £1.16 billion per year. Problem gambling may impose health costs through pressure on mental health services; welfare and employment costs through Job Seeker's Allowance, housing costs; and criminal justice costs. The impact on families can be devastating.
The Committee, which will be chaired by Lord Grade of Yarmouth, will seek evidence on, and consider a number of issues relating to gambling and the gambling industry. These are expected to include: the current state of the industry; the lack of accurate estimates of the extent of the problem; developments in gambling habits, in particular online gambling; the ‘gamblification' of sport; the industry's contribution towards research, education and treatment of problem gamblers; whether those who need help have access to it; advertising; and lotteries.
The Committee will shortly be issuing a call for evidence and urges organisations, businesses and individuals with an interest to submit their views.
Members appointed to the Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry are:
Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top
Lord Butler of Brockwell
Lord Filkin
Lord Foster of Bath
Lord Grade of Yarmouth (Chairman)
Lord Layard
Baroness Meyer
Lord Smith of Hindhead
Bishop of St Albans
Baroness Thornhill
Lord Trevethin and Oaksey
Lord Watts
Baroness Wyld
