Statement as betting companies fund measures to help problem gamblers

Five of Britain's leading gambling companies – bet365, Flutter (Paddy Power and Betfair), GVC (Ladbrokes and Coral), Sky Betting and Gaming and William Hill, have announced they will fund measures aimed at helping problem gamblers and creating a healthier gambling environment.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has been pressing the industry to help tackle problem gambling, and has urged the wider sector to follow these measures with a wider commitment to do more.

Addressing the Commons, Jeremy Wright said;

"Today five of the biggest gambling companies have agreed a series of measures which will deliver real and meaningful progress on support for problem gamblers."

"Five operators: William Hill, Bet 365, GVC (who own Ladbrokes and Coral), Flutter (formerly known as Paddy Power Betfair) and Sky Betting and Gaming have said that over the next four years they will increase tenfold the funding they give to treatment and support for problem gamblers."

• Watch Parliament TV: statement on tackling problem gambling
• Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.

Responding, Shadow Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Tom Watson said;

"Only a mandatory levy will do. [...] Does the Secretary of State opposite, with responsibliliy for this policy area support a mandatory levy or does he not? We on these benches believe a mandatory levy is the only way to provide the structure and consistent funding that a proper system of research, education and treatment needs."

Image: PA

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