A new parliamentary investigation has been launched to reassess the United Kingdom’s approach to gambling regulation in the digital age.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Gambling Reform announced it will conduct a wide-ranging inquiry to evaluate the progress made since the government’s White Paper was published, and whether the current legislative framework is still suitable.
Digital Gambling Environment Prompts Deeper Review
The decision to launch the inquiry comes amid ongoing concerns about gambling-related harm and the limitations of existing regulatory measures in safeguarding at-risk individuals.
As online gambling and digital betting platforms continue to expand, regulators and lawmakers are under pressure to ensure that the UK’s laws are evolving accordingly.
“The previous Government’s White Paper marked a step in the right direction by beginning to address some of the challenges posed by today’s gambling industry,” said Sir Iain Duncan Smith MP, Chair of the APPG.
“However, it is clear that much more needs to be done to ensure our regulatory framework is fit for the digital age to protect people from harm.”
Potential Overhaul of Gambling Laws
The APPG will explore whether stronger interventions or structural changes are necessary.
This includes the possible creation of a new Gambling Act to replace the current legal framework, which critics argue has become outdated in the face of rapid technological change.
The review will not only examine how existing measures are working, but also whether more robust protections should be introduced to better serve vulnerable populations.
The group is especially concerned about the rise in gambling-related harm and whether the current system has the tools to intervene effectively.
Public Input Encouraged
As part of the inquiry, the APPG is inviting written submissions from organizations, stakeholders, and members of the public.
These inputs will help shape the scope of the review and offer insight into lived experiences, industry practices, and regulatory gaps.
Further information about how to contribute is available on the APPG’s official website.
Industry Consolidation Under Scrutiny
In a related regulatory development, the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently assessing Sportradar’s proposed acquisition of IMG Arena.
The review aims to determine whether the deal could result in reduced competition in the sports data and betting services market.
This comes at a time when consolidation within the gambling sector is being viewed with increasing scrutiny, especially in relation to how it might impact consumer choice and market fairness.
Calls for Action and Greater Accountability
The APPG inquiry adds to the growing political momentum for reforming gambling laws and improving protections against addiction and financial harm.
With gambling now readily accessible on smartphones and digital platforms, campaigners argue that a stronger legislative response is long overdue.
Sir Iain Duncan Smith’s comments reflect a growing consensus in Parliament that the White Paper’s measures, while a starting point, fall short of what is required.
The inquiry is expected to put fresh pressure on lawmakers and regulators to consider bolder reforms and more proactive oversight.
The results of the inquiry could lead to significant policy shifts, particularly if a new Gambling Act is proposed and debated in the next parliamentary session.