Lords launch call for evidence in latest investigation into the gambling sector

A parliamentary committee headed by former BBC chairman Lord Grade which is investigating the impact of the gambling industry has issued a call for evidence.

The House of Lords Select Committee on the Social and Economic Impact of the Gambling Industry is focusing on areas such as the 2005 Gambling Act, the 'gamblification' of sport and funding for research, education and treatment of problem gambling.

Questions put by the committee will include asking whether the Gambling Act is effective in achieving its aims and whether it needs to be updated to reflect changes in areas such as technology.

It will ask what the social and economic costs of gambling are as well as looking into the effectiveness of the voluntary levy on operators which funds tackling problem gambling and whether treatment services are sufficient and effective.

Other questions will include the links between suicide and gambling, gambling advertising, and the relationships between gambling operators and sports.

Part of the committee's investigation will include questions looking at gambling advertising

Lord Grade said: "We know that the effects of gambling on individuals and families can be devastating. This committee seeks further to understand the issues, in an area where concrete evidence is lacking, and to explore options for improvement.

"The committee is keen to receive evidence from a wide range of individuals, organisations and any sectors or groups in society affected. We encourage anyone with experience of the issues to share their views, and participate in this vital inquiry."

Other members of the committee include Liberal Democrat peer Lord Foster of Bath and Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans, who have both been trenchant critics of the gambling sector in the past.

Submissions to the review close on September 6 with the committee due to report by March 31.

The committee's inquiry is one of a number of investigations into the gambling industry which are running currently.

Last month a new commission was launched by the Howard League for Penal Reform looking into the links between crime and problem gambling.

Labour's deputy leader Tom Watson is heading a gambling reviewfor his party, while the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling Related Harm is looking into online gambling.

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