Lucy Frazer, secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, made a speech to the campaign group Gambling with Lives in which she noted the importance of enticements within the industry.
Frazer was promoted to the position of culture secretary last October. He stated that enticements were a way to encourage people with problem gambling habits to keep betting.
She said that she was a member of the lived experience advisory board and had just read the House of Lords Gambling Harm Time for Action Report, which helped her see the negative effects of enticements on problem gamblers.
Frazer said, “I heard some really moving tales and I was struck by the diversity of their experiences.” “One person had lost over PS1m. Another person never wagered more than PS1 per spin.
“A young man started gambling when he was eleven years old. Many people tried to avoid gambling, but they found it difficult to resist the temptations that drew them back.
White paper delays
Frazer acknowledged also the multiple delays in the publication to of the Gambling Act Review whitepaper, the Whitehall policy paper that will help to guide future legislative reform.
The minister said, “I also wanted you to know that it must be very frustrating for the government to have yet another ministerial group leading its work on gambling and that I understand that you might be concerned about further delays in the white paper.”
“So let me assure you that white papers are a top priority for me and the prime minister and that we will publish it soon.”
Frazer indicated that although the white paper’s publication is highly anticipated Frazer said she would need to take the time to thoroughly explore the brief.
She said, “Even though I have only been culture secretary for three week, it was a great experience meeting everyone and listening to your stories. “I am especially sensitive to the vulnerability of young people.
“And, of course, you know that gambling does not just ruin the lives of gamblers, but it also has devastating effects on the loved ones.”
Gaming with Lives
Gambling with Lives invited the minister to speak at an event at the House of Commons aimed at raising awareness about the negative effects of gambling and lobbying for regulatory reform.
Liz Ritchie, co-founder of the organization, spoke at the event, saying that there will be another gambling-related death.
