UK Parliament’s Health and Social Care Select Committee Schedules Gambling Hearing

The Health and Social Care Select Committee in the UK Parliament is set to host a public hearing focused on gambling harms, scheduled for 9:30am on April 2. As part of the government’s drive to reduce stigma and encourage support-seeking, Members of Parliament (MPs) will evaluate current measures aimed at preventing gambling-related issues, especially among children and vulnerable groups.

Key Details and Schedule

1. Date & Time: The hearing begins at 9:30am on April 2, following a short private session starting at 9:15am in the Thatcher Room, Portcullis House.

2. Public Accessibility: The meeting is open to the public and will also be accessible through Parliament Live TV for those unable to attend in person.

3. Focus Areas: MPs will examine:

   • The role of public health teams in mitigating gambling harms

   • The effectiveness of current regulations in safeguarding children and at-risk individuals

   • Additional policies or reforms needed to address emerging issues

Witnesses and Expertise

To provide comprehensive insights, the Committee has invited professional witnesses experienced in gambling research and treatment:

• 9:30am Session

  • Sam Chamberlain: Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and Director of the Southern Gambling Treatment Clinic

  • Heather Wardle: Co-Chair of the Lancet Public Health Commission on Gambling, and Professor of Gambling Research and Policy at the University of Glasgow

  • Lucy Hubber: Director of Public Health in Nottingham and member of the Association of Directors of Public Health

• 10:30am Session

  • Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE: National Clinical Advisor on Gambling Harms

  • Andrew Vereker: Deputy Director for Tobacco, Alcohol, and Gambling at the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

  • Tim Miller: Executive Director of Research and Policy at the Gambling Commission

Each speaker is expected to present evidence-based perspectives, highlighting key challenges and possible solutions for improving the gambling support infrastructure.

Government’s “Cultural Shift” on Gambling

This hearing aligns with a wider cultural shift spearheaded by the UK Government, aiming to:

• Reduce Stigma: Encouraging individuals to come forward and seek help without fear of judgment

• Strengthen Public Health Involvement: Positioning local and national public health teams as critical stakeholders in prevention and treatment

• Expand Research and Oversight: Committing to better data collection, particularly through the Gambling Commission

Looking Ahead: Statutory Levy and Future Impact

Starting in April 2025, the Gambling Commission will assume responsibility for collecting and administering a new statutory levy. This financial mechanism is designed to:

1. Fund Preventative Studies: Ensure comprehensive research into problem gambling and effective prevention tactics

2. Provide Treatment Resources: Expand existing clinical and community support services

3. Enhance Accountability: Offer greater transparency on gambling operators’ contributions towards addressing harms

By channeling these funds into targeted programs, the government seeks to curb long-term risks associated with gambling and solidify the public health framework.

Conclusion

The upcoming Health and Social Care Select Committee hearing marks a crucial step in the UK’s commitment to reduce gambling-related harm. By assembling experts in psychiatry, public health, and regulatory oversight, MPs aim to assess the current landscape and explore practical solutions. Through increased awareness, funding, and policy reforms, the UK endeavors to protect at-risk individuals and promote responsible gambling practices for a safer, healthier future.