Gaming
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what correspondence her Department has received from relevant stakeholders on the potential impact of land-based adult gaming centres on local economies; and if she will publish that correspondence.
Answered by Stephanie Peacock
DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.
The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.
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