Restoring previous powers
UK lawmakers and anti-gambling campaigners are calling on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to get rid of a long-standing rule that makes it difficult for community groups to oppose the opening of retail sportsbooks and 24-hour slot parlors:
A total of 280 MPs, mayors, councillors, and campaigners signed the letter to Starmer, which requests the abolishment of the “aim to permit” rule that came into place in 2005 following an overhaul of the region’s gambling rules.
previous rule required business owners to demonstrate an unmet demand
This requirement means that licensing authorities must give preference to opening these types of facilities. The previous rule required business owners to demonstrate an unmet demand that they could fill to get approval.
Commitment from the government
Labour MP Dawn Butler heads the letter dated January 5, which calls on the Prime Minister to protect high streets, support vulnerable residents, and ensure that councils have the necessary tools to act in the best interests of the local community. The signees want a small delegation to meet with Starmer and take advantage of a “historic opportunity to put people before profit.”
new rules that will enable councils to have a greater say in the number of gambling facilities
Talking to The Guardian, a Department for Culture, Media, and Sport spokesperson said that it has already committed to giving “unprecedented new powers” to councils that will allow them to limit the number of gambling stores on high streets. It will also introduce new rules that will enable councils to have a greater say in the number of gambling facilities in their district and where they can be located.
A struggling industry
The UK industry body for gambling operators, the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), also responded to The Guardian’s request for comment on the matter. A spokesperson cited figures showing that retail sportsbooks employ approximately 46,000 people and directly contribute nearly £1bn ($1.3bn) in annual taxes. They also stated that the number of sportsbooks has dropped 29% since 2019.
The incoming tax increases on gambling operators in the UK mean that more locations are likely to close in the future. William Hill owner Evoke said in 2023 that it may have to shutter up to 200 stores due to the strain the incoming changes would have on its underlying business.
