GOVERNMENT’S OWN REPOST SHOWS NEED FOR ACTION ON INTERNET GAMBLING

Angus MP Mike Weir has renewed his call for urgent government action to tackle the problem of gambling over the internet following the publication of a government report which states that ministers failed to properly consider the impact of relaxing gambling laws.
 

The report sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry warned that the new rules and the introduction of super casinos could fuel a rise in addiction. Mr Weir has previously called for restrictions on the amount that can be gambled online by the use of credit cards. His early day motion in Parliament on the matter has received cross party support.
 

“When the Gambling Act passed through Parliament the focus was very much on the new casinos, but the relentless rise of internet gambling poses a much more serious threat since it brings Las Vegas into every living room in the country.”
 

“Gambling is an addiction that can be every bit as serious as drink or drugs yet the government’s own report warns that ministers failed to give sufficient attention to the problems associated with gambling. “
 

Mr Weir added that he did not believe that merely putting “health warnings”  on  sites would be sufficient and that more strenuous measures need to be taken.
 

“The government must take immediate action to tackle this problem by ensuring there is a strict cap on the use of credit cards. If they fail to do so then we are heading for a serious problem.