Gambling Commission to consider the case for ombudsman after Tom Watson call

The Gambling Commission last week said it would consider the case for the creation of a new gambling ombudsman following Labour deputy leader Tom Watson's latest policy announcement affecting the sector.

Watson called for the creation of the ombudsman which would be equal to the commission and form part of a major overhaul of the way the industry is regulated and how those who have suffered harm from gambling are treated. He described the Gambling Commission as being "overstretched".

After flagging up the main policy points, Watson put more flesh on the bones in his speech to think tank Demos. He said the anticipated introduction of a mandatory levy to fund research, education and treatment in the area of problem gambling necessitated a restructure of the current system.