Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to reform the United Kingdom’s gambling laws. A coalition of hundreds of elected officials and campaigners is urging the government to eliminate a long-standing rule that complicates local councils’ ability to prevent new betting shops from opening in their communities.
The crux of the issue revolves around the “aim to permit” principle, a policy established during the Labour government’s overhaul of gambling regulations in the mid-2000s. This principle encourages licensing bodies, including local councils and the UK Gambling Commission, to favor applications from bookmakers and adult gaming centers. Critics argue that this approach has led to an increase in 24-hour slot machine establishments, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas.
A letter addressed to the Prime Minister, signed by over 300 individuals including Members of Parliament, members of the House of Lords, and local councilors, asserts that the “aim to permit” rule is outdated and no longer serves the interests of local communities. The letter highlights how this policy undermines local opposition to the proliferation of gambling establishments, even in areas where residents express strong disapproval.
Advocates for change, led by Labour MP Dawn Butler, argue that the current system has allowed companies to exploit lenient planning and licensing regulations. This has resulted in clusters of gambling venues that exacerbate social issues while providing minimal economic benefit to surrounding neighborhoods.
The government has acknowledged concerns regarding gambling proliferation by promising to allow councils to consider the overall impact of new licensing requests. This proposed change would enable local authorities to take into account the number of existing betting shops in their areas. However, those supporting the letter contend that this adjustment alone is insufficient. They are calling for a complete repeal of the “aim to permit” framework, which has been central to gambling legislation since the introduction of the Gambling Act in 2007.
Proponents of reform emphasize that their objective is not to eliminate casual betting but to safeguard vulnerable residents and empower local leaders. Statistics suggest that over one million people in the UK struggle with gambling addiction, an issue that negatively impacts families and community resources.
In Parliament, Butler has initiated efforts to expedite a law-making debate to gauge support for potential reforms. The gambling industry has pushed back against these proposals. A spokesperson for the Betting & Gaming Council defended the sector’s contributions to the economy, highlighting job creation and tax revenues while noting a significant decline in the number of betting shops in recent years.
As of now, the government has yet to respond publicly to the letter advocating for reform. Activists believe this moment presents a crucial opportunity to reassess and update gambling regulations, ensuring that the focus remains on the welfare of the public.
