As Public Health England recently reported, gambling often results in bankruptcy, family breakdown, higher mortality and, all too often, suicide.
Our members support 119,000 jobs across the UK, generate £4.5bn in tax for the Treasury and contribute £7.7bn to the economy.
Twenty-one per cent of gambling premises are located within the most deprived decile of areas, whilst conversely only two per cent are in the least deprived.
Changes are necessary, but they need to be based on evidence and evidence alone.
A YouGov poll found that 51 per cent of voters do not believe that politicians should set limits on how much they can bet.
Offering help to those who need it is a far more constructive and effective approach than hitting all gamblers with bans and restrictions.
It’s vital that governments in London and Edinburgh do nothing to make things more difficult than they already are.
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport has to be prepared to act on the evidence.
We now have an opportunity to right some of the wrongs we are seeing within the industry to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected.
A review should strike the right balance between protecting the vulnerable and not spoiling the enjoyment of people who enjoy a bet perfectly safely.
An FOBT stake reduction from £100 to £2 per spin was the right thing to do, with a positive impact on gambling treatment services.
The industry has implemented a number of measures to make these activities more secure.
It’s time for sensible, conservative action to protect the vulnerable – and allow the majority a safe flutter.
There are many who would like to see gambling banned, but you cannot control people in this way.