In a heated Treasury Select Committee session, Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) chief Grainne Hurst stunned lawmakers by declaring that gambling does not cause social ills. MPs, including committee chair Dame Meg Hillier, expressed disbelief as Hurst repeated her assertion, triggering immediate scrutiny across political and regulatory circles.
Earlier in the day, former Paddy Power co-founder Stewart Kenny offered contrasting testimony, explaining how new sports bettors are often directed toward higher-risk slot games through free-spin promotions and targeted nudges. His comments highlighted how product design and cross-sell strategies embed risk into the player journey.
The latest Gambling Commission data paints a different picture, showing 2.7% of adults and 1.5% of youth displaying signs of problem gambling. Researchers continue to debate methodological accuracy, but most agree that product speed and design play significant roles in harm escalation.
With the UK Budget scheduled for 26 November 2025, policymakers are considering higher taxes on high-risk gambling products such as online slots and casinos. Industry stakeholders warn of potential job losses and regulatory overreach, while reform advocates push for risk-weighted taxation and tailored affordability checks.
Experts argue that the industry must act now to document and demonstrate how it mitigates risk, designs safer products, and aligns revenue models with long-term player wellbeing. As Parliament prepares to legislate, the credibility of the sector and its ability to self-regulate hangs in the balance.
