Labour urged to act on election promises to reform gambling laws
It comes as a new study reveals gambling across the UK is having a severe impact on people and their loved ones
The new Labour Government is urged to pick up where the Conservatives left off to tighten gambling laws.
It comes after the first piece of research into UK betting habits for 14 years found addiction is the root cause for relationship breakdowns.
Experts at the University of Glasgow have contributed to a new survey - the Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) -that for the first time in fourteen years, provides detailed insight into gambling behaviours.
The survey illuminated participation rates, gambling activities participated in, experiences and reasons for gambling, and the consequences that gambling can have on individuals and those close to them.
The GSGB is set to become one of the largest surveys of its kind in the world, with responses from 9,804 people that are expected to increase to around 20,000 by next year.
'Hugely significant'
Professor Heather Wardle, co-director of Gambling Research Glasgow based at the University of Glasgow, was lead author for the study.
She said: “The new GSGB is hugely significant. We know from our research - and the stories we hear from those with lived experience - that gambling harms don't just affect the individual who gambles, but the people they are close to, and can lead to severe consequences for their loved ones.
"The most commonly reported consequences were that gambling habits undermined and broke down relationships, experiencing conflicts and arguments, people admitting they lie to their loved ones to hide the extent of their gambling.
"Where people know that somebody is gambling, around 1 in 20 people say they've experienced a relationship breakdown, lost something of significant financial value, or experienced violence or abuse because of someone else's gambling.
Labour's election promises
A white paper containing proposals to reform the 2005 Gambling Act was introduced by the Conservative government last April. In its manifesto, simply titled Change, Labour said it would proceed with reforms to the gambling sector.
The manifesto states: “Labour is committed to reducing gambling-related harm. Recognising the evolution of the gambling landscape since 2005, Labour will reform gambling regulation, strengthening protections. We will continue to work with the industry on how to ensure responsible gambling.”
Professor Heather Wardle added: "There's a lot of interest in this at at governmental levels.
"We're a bit of a precipice point in policy.
"Just before the general election was called, the Conservatives were about to implement a whole raft of changes to change gambling regulation.
"They've been stopped for the moment, whilst we've had a change of government.
"Obviously we want the Labour government to pick up and extend those changes and to do them quite swiftly."