Power of gambling lobby overstated as wait goes on for clarity from government

A year has passed since the government launched its long-promised review of the 2005 Gambling Act, pledging to bring the legislation up to date and "fit for the digital age".

Ministers had said their aim was to publish a white paper setting out the government's conclusions and next steps by the end of the year but the chances of that happening are looking increasingly slim.

The language used by ministers in response to questions asking when the review will be concluded has evolved in recent weeks to saying it would be out "in due course" and in the last fortnight to "in the coming months", suggesting it will be the new year before the white paper is published.