Northern Ireland MLA Reveals Plan to Tackle Gambling-related Harm

A new All Party Group has been established in Northern Ireland to reduce gambling-related harm.

Ulster Unionist MLA Robbie Butler is the chairman of the new Group. He explained the group brings together MLAs from across the political spectrum to protect people from gambling-related harms “which can have such a corrosive impact on individuals, their families and their communities.”

Northern Ireland has a problem gambling prevalence rate of 2.3% – more than four times higher than England. The equivalent rate in England is 0.5%, in Scotland is 0.7% and in Wales is 1.1%.

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Robbie Butler said: “While we recognise that for many gambling can be fun and a way to socialise, it can adversely impact the health and wellbeing of individuals and families.

“One of our first tasks will be to hold an inquiry into how we need to reform Northern Ireland’s obsolete gambling legislation. Mobile communications mean that almost everyone has instant access to online gambling.

“However, this aspect of the industry is largely unregulated as the relevant legislation – the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 – pre-dates the internet.

“It was also drawn-up before the advent of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, regarded by addiction campaigners as the crack cocaine of gambling. Elements of the gambling industry have been quick to exploit new technology. The regulations designed to protect gamblers from harm has not.

“Collectively we want to make sure that new legislation in Northern Ireland is fit for purpose and protects the vulnerable. Gambling addiction doesn’t just cost money, it costs lives.

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“It is estimated that gambling addicts are three times more likely to take their lives than other types of addict.

“A consultation on gambling law reform closed in February. We want to progress and further this work, not merely by copying legislation in England and Wales, which itself has been criticised for being too weak, but to consider going further if the evidence supports this.

“We are currently working on terms of reference for our inquiry, the dates of evidence sessions and the witnesses we will be inviting to give evidence.”