The House of Lords probe will look in particular at the effect of online gambling on society and the ‘gamblification’ of sport. It will also consider whether participation in lotteries can push people towards gambling problems.
The panel into the ‘social and economic impact of gambling’ will be chaired by Lord Grade, chairman of the BBC between 2004 and 2006 and now a Tory peer. It follows a report by the Institute of Public Policy Research think-tank, which found the cost of problem gambling to the Government could be as much as £1.2 billion a year.
The report said problem gambling may impose health costs through pressure on mental health services, welfare and employment costs through Jobseeker’s Allowance, housing costs and criminal justice costs. It said the impact on families can be devastating.
Gambling to be put under the microscope by the Lords as the Special Inquiry membership is approved, with former BBC boss Michael Grade chairing.
It follows the Bishop of St Albans successfully applying for for the committee to be established last year. https://t.co/7mxfUrVjKo
— Charles White (@charleswhite3) June 14, 2019