Gambling Industry Awaits First Steps from Newly Appointed Minister

The gambling industry awaits the first steps taken by the newly appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Gambling, and Civil Society, as well as the Minister for Equalities in the UK government.

Stephanie Peacock takes up the role with immediate effect within the Department of Culture, Media, and Sport. 

Peacock previously served as the Shadow Gambling Minister while the Labour Party was in opposition to the previous Conservative government. She will now work under Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport.  

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New Role in Overseeing Gambling Act White Paper 

As MP for Barnsley South since 2017, Peacock has previously represented the Barnsley East constituency. Her new role involves overseeing changes set out in the Gambling Act white paper, which was published in April.  

The document proposes significant reforms to gambling laws in Great Britain, including a new £2 maximum stake for online slots for under-25s and land-based reforms such as a new ratio of gaming machines in bingo halls and arcades. 

Peacock expressed her excitement to start her new role, saying it was an "honour to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve in our new Labour government" and that she "can't wait to get started in the DCMS with Lisa Nandy."

Possible Fast Pace of Change for Industry to Deal With 

Peacock's remit includes implementing changes outlined in the Gambling Act white paper, which aims to transform gambling law in Great Britain. Some changes have already been made, including a £2 maximum stake for online slots for under 25s and new reforms for land-based gambling, including a new machine ratio in bingo halls and arcades and lifting the ban on debit card payments. 

We reported recently that Labour’s Manifesto was scant in detail regarding the gambling industry, so it remains unknown, with many hoping that there will not be too many more consultations before there is a definitive structure for all to follow.  

Industry Leader Advises Focus on Safe Gaming Growth 

In a recent webinar by Alun Bowden, Senior Vice President of Strategic Insight at Eilers & Krejcik Gaming, on the state of the UK gaming market in 2024, he pointed out that the industry will never go back to the ‘glory days’ 

Bowden also said that there is a risk of regulatory pressure from the growth of gaming, particularly around safer gambling concerns. He said: “The new government and gambling minister may introduce new regulations or tighten existing ones, making it essential for operators to prioritise safer gambling practices.” 

Bowen issued a stark warning, saying: “What can the industry do about that really, it's just don't slacken off on safer gambling. Keep that at the forefront of everything you do. Gaming growth is fine, but it needs to be safe gaming growth in the environment. We’ve moved to a new government, and I know there's a lot to talk about with the new gambling minister. 

I know people think that everything is just going to get thrown in the bin and we can go back to the glory days. That's not happening. We need to accept this is the new reality we live in. The landing maybe a bit softer but it’s not going to go back to the glory days of being able to do whatever you wanted with in this market.”