Tom Watson calls for mandatory levy for betting companies
Tom Watson has called for a mandatory levy on betting firms as the industry announced plans to fund treatment for problem gamblers.
Labour's deputy leader welcomed a pledge from the UK's biggest gambling firms to give £60m a year to help addicts, but warned that many firms would still "shirk their responsibilities".
The owners of William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Betfair, Skybet and Bet 365 will increase their voluntary levy on gambling profits from 0.1 per cent to one per cent up to 2023.
The firms claimed it will be a "step change" in how they tackle addiction, and comes amid criticism on the small amount the industry spends to help addicts compared with its marketing budget.
West Bromwich East MP Mr Watson conducted a gambling addiction review earlier this year and has warned that problem gambling may become a public health emergency.
He said: “Any rise in the amount spent on research, education and treatment of problem gambling is welcome but too many gambling companies still shirk their responsibilities. That is why Labour remains committed to introducing a mandatory levy.
“The providers of research and treatment of problem gambling need the guarantees of consistent funding and a proper structure that only comes with a mandatory levy.”
Last month NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens warned betting firms could be taxed to pay for addiction treatment.
He condemned the "fraction" spent by industry on helping those struggling with addiction, compared with the amount spent on advertising and marketing.
The companies said that overall they would spend £100m on treatment over the next four years.
Peter Jackson, chief executive of Flutter Entertainment, the holding company name for Paddy Power Betfair, said the agreement marked "an unprecedented level of commitment and collaboration by the leading companies in the British betting and gaming sector to address gambling-related harm".
"We think that is an important step to make," he said.
"We do think we need to increase the amount of money that is available to protect the young and vulnerable."
According to the Gambling Commission there are around 430,000 people with a serious gambling addiction in the UK, a figure which rises to more than two million if those deemed at risk of addiction are included.
