Nigel Huddleston, the UK’S Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, has urged the gambling industry to do all it can to tackle the risks of problem gambling during coronavirus outbreak.

The minister has written to the Chief Executives of five leading online gambling operators – Bet 365, GVC, Skybet, William Hill and Flutter – and the trade body the Betting and Gaming Council to:

Request regular and comprehensive internal data around online gambling habits as a result of the ongoing lockdown measures;

Remind them of their responsibilities and encourage extra steps to protect players at this time of heightened risk;

Call for a greater prominence of safer gambling messaging within their advertising aimed at existing and potential customers across television, radio, online and print media. This should more clearly warn of risks and signpost people to sources of support, such as GambleAware.

These measures will support DCMS and the Gambling Commission to make a full assessment of the impact of the current circumstances on gambling habits, monitor whether risks are materialising, to what extent operators are taking action, and whether the current regulations and voluntary measures by the industry are sufficient to prevent an increase in gambling-related harm.

“As we stay at home and spend more time online, it is vital that no stone is left unturned in protecting people from gambling related harm. Whilst overall gambling participation has fallen in recent weeks and the industry has made notable contributions to support the national response, we must take proactive steps now, and keep these measures under review. I expect patterns of play to be closely monitored so we can move quickly if there is any evidence of problem gambling increasing. I also want more to be done to promote responsible gambling during the pandemic,” Nigel Huddleston said.