WEIR WELCOMES SUPPORT FOR INTERNET GAMBLING CURBS

Angus MP, Mike Weir, has welcomed cross party parliamentary support for his Early Day Motion setting curbs on the use of credit cards for internet gambling.  The motion has been signed so far by 32 MPs from the SNP, Labour, Liberal, Conservative, Democratic Unionist and Plaid Cymru parties.

Commenting on the matter Mr Weir said he intended to press the issue after the parliamentary recess:

“The growth of internet gambling is very dangerous.  It is vastly different from a local bookmakers since, in effect, it puts a La Vegas in every living room.

“It is possible to run up huge debts by the use of credit cards on such sites and the credit card companies must share a responsibility for dealing with the problem.  Gambling is an addiction like any other.  Under licensing law if someone is obviously drunk then the licensee is bound to stop serving them drink.  The same principle should apply to on line gambling.

“The situation will get worse if, as is expected, the government relax rules on advertising gambling sites on television and radio.”

Mr Weir indicated that he intended to seek a parliamentary debate on the issue immediately after the summer recess to try and increase pressure on the government over the issue.