she can be confident, timeliness, she can be confident, will be continuing to ensure these measures making it forward into the necessary regulations. we are bringing memory of these measures through by statutory instrument which will speed up the process and i look forward to the shadow bench cooperation to ensure we can bring these measures forward as soon as possible. these measures forward as soon as ossible. . ~' , ., these measures forward as soon as ossible. ., ~ i. ., these measures forward as soon as ossible. ., ., , , , possible. thank you, madam deputy seaker. i possible. thank you, madam deputy speaker. i congratulate _ possible. thank you, madam deputy speaker. i congratulate my- possible. thank you, madam deputy speaker. i congratulate my right - speaker. i congratulate my right honourable friend for finally, finally getting this white paper published. and i particularly welcome the introduction of the statutory levy, which she will know has got great support on all parts of the house. the most disturbing fact i have learned in preparing for the select committee's upcoming investigation into gambling is that investigation into gambling is that in this moment, there is something like 50,000 children who are problem gamblers in this country. that is a truly shocking figure. so could my right honourable friend expand more

on the really essential measures in her proposals that will protect children from this terrible scourge? if my right honourable friend met some very important points and i think across this house we want to ensure we protect children, and that is why in addition to measures already in place which are for example targeting advertising and making sure it does not take place towards children, there are a number of measures including the voluntary band that is taking place on football shirts, band that is taking place on footballshirts, but band that is taking place on football shirts, but notjust that. as i mentioned —— voluntary ban. we are ensuring gambling is illegal when it comes to monetary gambling up when it comes to monetary gambling up until the age of 18 so we will be making it illegalfor up until the age of 18 so we will be making it illegal for children to take part in scratchcards or slots that produce cash. of course the statutory levy he raises is so important because it is through the statutory levy we can continue to

look at research on how gambling affects children and can take any necessary measures in due course. studio: there is a cultural secretary outlining the shake—up of uk gambling laws, bringing forward her plans, outlining her plans, with not a huge amount of detail, it must be said, at this stage on this tax on gambling firms. the other crucial thing was the states online on slot machines. going to a consultation she said. finally, overspending alerts, affordability checks, if you like come on people checking how much is lost in a day or over a period of time, and that alerting the betting companies. ok. so we will be getting some analysis from that story in a second. but at the moment we have some breaking news to bring you.

that's just to tell you that strike action planned by the royal college of nursing for me the second would be unlawful, according to a high courtjudge ruling that has just come through, that strike action planned by the royal college of nursing for the 2nd of may would be unlawful. that is a ruling we have just received from the high court. the government contesting plans by the royal college of nurses. they wanted to have their next strike to take place on may the 2nd and the government successful in that battle at the moment, and we will bring you some reaction to that news as soon as we can speak to somebody outside the court, but let me just take you back to the story we were covering there about this tax on gambling

firms, with david wallace lockhart from millbank. let me ask you first on this breaking news from the royal couege on this breaking news from the royal college of nursing. this is a big blow to them? {iii college of nursing. this is a big blow to them?— college of nursing. this is a big blow to them? _, , ., , blow to them? of course. it was the health secretary _ blow to them? of course. it was the health secretary steve _ blow to them? of course. it was the health secretary steve barclay - blow to them? of course. it was the health secretary steve barclay who | health secretary steve barclay who announced plans to challenge this planned strike action in the courts. of course there was a feeling that the government and the royal college of nursing were getting close to coming up with some sort of deal on pgy- coming up with some sort of deal on pay. the nursing union had recommended its members accept a deal, but they did not and therefore it looked like this strike action was going to go ahead. i think the royal college of nursing did say if their strike was ruled to be unlawful they would not be going ahead with it, so obviously we will want to hear what they have to say now. i don't think this will completely solve the issue. this is in the end of this. this could simply mean discussions about different industrial action, different industrial action, different dates, different mandates. it certainly doesn't now mean the government and rcn are on the same

page. if anything, this could actually make the relationship between the two and the hopes of finding some sort of agreement to avert future industrial action slightly more difficult, but very interesting news there that that strike on the 2nd of may has been ruled unlawful.— strike on the 2nd of may has been ruled unlawful. that's right, david. as ou ruled unlawful. that's right, david. as you are — ruled unlawful. that's right, david. as you are saying. _ ruled unlawful. that's right, david. as you are saying, this _ ruled unlawful. that's right, david. as you are saying, this suggests i as you are saying, this suggests relations between the two sites are not getting any closer. what do you expect to happen next in terms of how these negotiations have played out in the past and what you might see going forwards? the out in the past and what you might see going forwards?— see going forwards? the difficulty here it did seem _ see going forwards? the difficulty here it did seem both _ see going forwards? the difficulty here it did seem both sides - see going forwards? the difficulty here it did seem both sides at - see going forwards? the difficulty i here it did seem both sides at least on the negotiating table, government ministers and the royal college of nursing, they seem to come to some sort of agreement that both sides were relatively speaking quite happy with and rcn took that to their members who of course... they are good should go for the deal. they did not, so a bit of a blow in some ways to the union leadership as well. so it suggested at least that

the government was able to get the rcn leadership happy with the offer on offer, and both sides were in a relatively good place, where it looked like a deal could be done. obviously, a blow from the government's point of view came when the membership of the union said no to that, and it looked like further industrial action would go ahead. the fact that this has been ruled unlawful may mean the government doesn't have to worry about strikes on that particular date, but what it doesn't do is really solve the root issue of that problem which is that nurses appear to be simply unhappy with the pay offer on the table from the government. ok. with the pay offer on the table from the government.— the government. 0k, pat colin s-ueakin the government. 0k, pat colin speaking from _ the government. 0k, pat colin speaking from outside - the government. 0k, pat colin speaking from outside the - the government. 0k, pat colin| speaking from outside the high court. let's have a listen today —— tax out—mac. court. let's have a listen today -- tax out-mac— court. let's have a listen today -- tax out-mac. what this has led to as the have tax out-mac. what this has led to as they have lost _ tax out-mac. what this has led to as they have lost nursing _ tax out-mac. what this has led to as they have lost nursing and _ tax out-mac. what this has led to as they have lost nursing and they - tax out-mac. what this has led to as they have lost nursing and they have lost the _ they have lost nursing and they have lost the public. they have taken the most _ lost the public. they have taken the most trusted professions through the courts_ most trusted professions through the courts by— most trusted professions through the courts by the least trusted people, and what _ courts by the least trusted people, and what a — courts by the least trusted people, and what a day for nursing. what a day for—

and what a day for nursing. what a day for patients, and what an indictment on this government, to do this to _ indictment on this government, to do this to the _ indictment on this government, to do this to the very people that have held this — this to the very people that have held this nhs together, notjust through— held this nhs together, notjust through the pandemic but an nhs that has been _ through the pandemic but an nhs that has been run into the ground and in crisis _ has been run into the ground and in crisis caused — has been run into the ground and in crisis caused by this government. but where — crisis caused by this government. but where do we go from here? well, of course _ but where do we go from here? well, of course our— but where do we go from here? well, of course our nursing staff will not do anything that isn't legal. we will continue to have strike action on sunday— will continue to have strike action on sunday evening and again on monday, — on sunday evening and again on monday, but we won't be taking strike _ monday, but we won't be taking strike action on the 2nd of may. our nurses— strike action on the 2nd of may. our nurses have — strike action on the 2nd of may. our nurses have carried out very safe legal _ nurses have carried out very safe legal action to date, and steve barclay — legal action to date, and steve barclay can continue to threaten them _ barclay can continue to threaten them with— barclay can continue to threaten them with their registration and he can continue if he wishes to to drive — can continue if he wishes to to drive them _ can continue if he wishes to to drive them through court proceedings, but what he needs to do is get _ proceedings, but what he needs to do is get into— proceedings, but what he needs to do is get into a _ proceedings, but what he needs to do is get into a negotiating room and start— is get into a negotiating room and start to _ is get into a negotiating room and start to talk to the nurses of england. _ start to talk to the nurses of england, sort out this dispute and allow— england, sort out this dispute and allow them to get back to their work — allow them to get back to their work this _ allow them to get back to their work. this is no way to treat them. why did _ work. this is no way to treat them. why did you — work. this is no way to treat them. why did you plan a strike half of

which wasn't going to be lawful? well, we have still got our opinion on that _ well, we have still got our opinion on that the — well, we have still got our opinion on that. the government because my own documents are confusing on this and that— own documents are confusing on this and that was it my statement as omitted — and that was it my statement as omitted to these courts that might the government's own documents. but i have _ the government's own documents. but i have said _ the government's own documents. but i have said this is no way to treat the nursing — i have said this is no way to treat the nursing staff in england, it is no way— the nursing staff in england, it is no way to— the nursing staff in england, it is no way to drive a wedge between government and the very people holding — government and the very people holding this health service together. let's move on now. what we will do _ together. let's move on now. what we will do after _ together. let's move on now. what we will do after this weekend is ballot our members fora will do after this weekend is ballot our members for a further six months of industrial _ our members for a further six months of industrial action. if steve barclay— of industrial action. if steve barclay continues to ignore their voice _ barclay continues to ignore their voice and — barclay continues to ignore their voice. and that will happen immediately. and unlike people feel that because they have the upper hand _ that because they have the upper hand at— that because they have the upper hand at this my it will make negotiating with steve barclay even more difficult —— but people feel. this government can feel they have the upper— this government can feel they have the upper hand over nursing any day of the _ the upper hand over nursing any day of the week— the upper hand over nursing any day of the week but the most important thin- of the week but the most important thing is _ of the week but the most important thing is the public trust our nursing _ thing is the public trust our nursing staff, the public has to behind — nursing staff, the public has to behind our nursing staff in the way that our— behind our nursing staff in the way that our nursing staff have stood behind _ that our nursing staff have stood behind the public, and they continue to do— behind the public, and they continue to do that _ behind the public, and they continue to do that. the nursing voice will not he _ to do that. the nursing voice will not be dampened by steve barclay of

this government. they will continue to fight— this government. they will continue to fight for— this government. they will continue to fight for the nhs, fight for patients, particularly those 7.2 million — patients, particularly those 7.2 million people sitting on waiting lists, _ million people sitting on waiting lists, and — million people sitting on waiting lists, and that's where his concentration should be today, not on this— concentration should be today, not on this court room. you concentration should be today, not on this court room.— on this court room. you must have known this — on this court room. you must have known this was _ on this court room. you must have known this was futile... _ on this court room. you must have known this was futile... i - known this was futile... i understand your members, but what about the patients? i understand your members, but what about the patients?— about the patients? i would say back to ou that about the patients? i would say back to you that every _ about the patients? i would say back to you that every day _ about the patients? i would say back to you that every day we _ about the patients? i would say back to you that every day we have - about the patients? i would say back to you that every day we have taken | to you that every day we have taken strike _ to you that every day we have taken strike action — to you that every day we have taken strike action we have said we are sorry, _ strike action we have said we are sorry, we — strike action we have said we are sorry, we are sorry for those 7.2 million — sorry, we are sorry for those 7.2 million people plus sitting on waiting — million people plus sitting on waiting lists, we are sorry we haven't — waiting lists, we are sorry we haven't been able to fill the tens of thousands of vacant posts by getting — of thousands of vacant posts by getting this government into a room and negotiating properly and decently for nursing. that is what our aim _ decently for nursing. that is what our aim is, — decently for nursing. that is what our aim is, to decently for nursing. that is what ouraim is, to address decently for nursing. that is what our aim is, to address those waiting lists, _ our aim is, to address those waiting lists, to _ our aim is, to address those waiting lists, to make sure people get a decent — lists, to make sure people get a decent nhs in this country and that it doesn't— decent nhs in this country and that it doesn't continue to crumble under this government. thank you. thanks, everybody _ this government. thank you. thanks, everybody. just this government. thank you. thanks, eve bod ., , ., this government. thank you. thanks, eve bod ._ .,

everybody. just to confirm, the nursinu everybody. just to confirm, the nursing union's _ everybody. just to confirm, the nursing union's strike - everybody. just to confirm, the nursing union's strike will - everybody. just to confirm, the l nursing union's strike will begin, as it was going to come on the 30th of april at 8pm, but it will now be ending earlier on the 1st of may due to the government victory in the courts there, striking out their strike scheduled for the 2nd of may due to technicalities. but as we can see there that dispute is set to continue for some while. some strong words there. pat cullen saying that the government and the health secretary steve barclay were dampening the nurses' voices. we will turn to another story we have been covering here about the biggest gambling reforms for 20 years here in the uk. we will go live to the strategy director for gambling with lives which supports families affected by gambling —related suicides and campaigns for change. let's start with your reaction to what lucy fraser has outlined so far. , ., ., . .,,

what lucy fraser has outlined so far. _, ., . , what lucy fraser has outlined so far. , ., ., . .,, , ., far. this announcement has been two ears in far. this announcement has been two years in the — far. this announcement has been two years in the offing — far. this announcement has been two years in the offing and _ far. this announcement has been two years in the offing and in _ far. this announcement has been two years in the offing and in that - far. this announcement has been two years in the offing and in that time i years in the offing and in that time over a thousand people have died because of gambling —related suicide, so it is late and doesn't go far enough but there are elements of it we welcome, and the bits i have seen so far i would welcome our it seems to be an acceptance that the cause of harm of gambling is gambling products rather than a set of vulnerable people. some of lucy frazer's rhetoric doesn't quite match that principle but there is that principle acknowledged in the document and that is so important. one of the shortcomings, however, once you have accepted the products because the harm, once the government accepts that they seem to be happy for those products to continue to be advertised freely and liberally and that is an incoherent policy so we're really disappointed the result was nothing on advertising in this white paper. lucy frazer set out to redress the power imbalance between punters and operators. you're clearly saying it hasn't helped punters? it is operators. you're clearly saying it hasn't helped punters?— hasn't helped punters? it is not about punters, _ hasn't helped punters? it is not about punters, it _ hasn't helped punters? it is not about punters, it is _ hasn't helped punters? it is not about punters, it is the - hasn't helped punters? it is not about punters, it is the people, really. everybody is at risk of

gambling harm. we are incessantly advertised at, these products are very dangerous, they are marketed towards children as well as the rest of the population, so everybody is at risk of gambling harm, notjust people who bet and actually less than half the population ever place a bet and most to do only ever play the national lottery or they might gamble on the grand national every now and again so it is not as if we area now and again so it is not as if we are a very big gambling country. redressing the balance, really, she shouldn't be trying to redress the balance between the gambling industry and the public. she should be trying to protect the public from what has been shown time and again to be a predatory industry which bases its profits on harm so i am disappointed with that metric from her. d0 disappointed with that metric from her. , ., ~' disappointed with that metric from her. i. ,, ., , disappointed with that metric from her. , ,, disappointed with that metric from her. ,, her. do you think any progress has been made — her. do you think any progress has been made with _ her. do you think any progress has been made with this _ her. do you think any progress has been made with this tax _ her. do you think any progress has been made with this tax on - her. do you think any progress has i been made with this tax on gambling firms, and also these affordability checks? do you have hope they will solve some of the problem? the tax on gambling — solve some of the problem? the tax on gambling firms _ solve some of the problem? the tax on gambling firms is _ solve some of the problem? the tax on gambling firms is a _ solve some of the problem? the tax on gambling firms is a really - on gambling firms is a really important thing, a massive step forward, and what the government have acknowledged in bringing forward that tax is that the gambling industry cannot be trusted

to fund research and educational treatment, and up until this point the industry has been funding their own charities to deliver their own messages into children's classrooms, for example, and it has only exacerbated harm, so the government has now realised that activity needs to be independent from the industry because of conflict—of—interest, so i really welcome that. on that for the body checkpoints, i absolutely welcomed the principle that people should not be lured into gambling more than they can afford. it is very important the government have decided that is something important, but then going to implement the first affordability check when someone is losing £1000 a day, i think nationally average disposable income in something like £500 a month, so the fact you would have to wait until £1000 a day you have lost before the industry might want to step in is quite shocking. bill step in is quite shocking. all ri . ht, step in is quite shocking. all right, well, iwant step in is quite shocking. all right, well, i want to remind viewers who have justjoined right, well, i want to remind viewers who havejustjoined us right, well, i want to remind viewers who have justjoined us that the cultural secretary has unveiled gambling reforms for the first time in around 20 years here in the uk.

you're watching bbc news and we are talking about a tax on gambling firms and new overspending alerts, affordability checks, for the gambling industry to regulate. this is bbc news. i want to pick up on a couple of points with you here. will, i know that a new charity, if you can still hear me, will, you come across a lot of personal stories every day. and of personal stories every day. and of course there was for the first time in the uk an investigation into the links between gambling and suicide. why do you think you haven't seen stronger action in the wake of that review? i'm stunned we haven't seen stronger action in the wake of that review. the simple answer is that the gambling industry is very powerful and have been lobbying the government to stop them from taking action, and we saw that a couple of

weeks ago with the expose in the times newspaper of scott benton, an mp who has been paid by the gambling industry to lobby on their behalf. we are really trying to cut through and put the interest of the people ahead of the profits of the gambling industry but sadly the government are not keeping up. bill industry but sadly the government are not keeping up.— are not keeping up. all right, strate: are not keeping up. all right, strategy director _ are not keeping up. all right, strategy director at _ are not keeping up. all right, strategy director at gambling j are not keeping up. all right, - strategy director at gambling with lives, thank you very much for joining with your reaction to what has just been unveiled by the government. let's go now to kieran maguire. podcast host and researcher at the university of liverpool. who do you think will be breathing a sigh of relief after this? i do you think will be breathing a sigh of relief after this?- sigh of relief after this? i think the gambling _ sigh of relief after this? i think the gambling industry - sigh of relief after this? i think the gambling industry will- sigh of relief after this? i think the gambling industry will be l sigh of relief after this? i think i the gambling industry will be very happy— the gambling industry will be very happy after the announcement by lucy -- lucy— happy after the announcement by lucy —— lucy frazer. there is no question a transfer— —— lucy frazer. there is no question a transfer from _ —— lucy frazer. there is no question a transfer from analog to digital has taken — a transfer from analog to digital has taken place. if we take a look for example at bet 365 in 2005 when

the last— for example at bet 365 in 2005 when the last gambling app was announced, their gross— the last gambling app was announced, their gross revenues in terms of wages _ their gross revenues in terms of wages was — their gross revenues in terms of wages was £624 million. by 2019 that had increased to £62 billion. the gambling — had increased to £62 billion. the gambling industry will be delighted there are going to be no restrictions into advertising and marketing. i think that affordability checks are suitably vague _ affordability checks are suitably vague for them to continue to be happy— vague for them to continue to be happy with those. the levy that they will see _ happy with those. the levy that they will see as _ happy with those. the levy that they will see as a cost of doing business, so i'm sure the gambling industry— business, so i'm sure the gambling industry will welcome the changes, and some _ industry will welcome the changes, and some of those changes are certainly— and some of those changes are certainly to the benefit of all, but i don't _ certainly to the benefit of all, but i don't think it will have a significant impact upon the behavioural issues we see in the industry— behavioural issues we see in the industry itself.— industry itself. you say that the auamblin industry itself. you say that the gambling industry _ industry itself. you say that the gambling industry will - industry itself. you say that the gambling industry will be i industry itself. you say that the i gambling industry will be protected by this. when we step back and look at everybody�*s lives, most of the people watching this come isn't the point that the link between sport and betting lives on? you just go to and betting lives on? you just go to a football ground, look at the shirts, the hoardings, the people

who sponsor the clubs, on the clubs, why is that link so strong? is that what the government has come up against? what the government has come up aaainst? ~ ~ . against? well, i think we have the desire of the _ against? well, i think we have the desire of the gambling _ against? well, i think we have the desire of the gambling industry i against? well, i think we have the| desire of the gambling industry for its products to be normalised and seem _ its products to be normalised and seem to — its products to be normalised and seem to be part of the sporting life for many— seem to be part of the sporting life for many people. and if you also take _ for many people. and if you also take a _ for many people. and if you also take a look— for many people. and if you also take a look at the demographics of people _ take a look at the demographics of people that attend football matches, whilst _ people that attend football matches, whilst it _ people that attend football matches, whilst it is _ people that attend football matches, whilst it is much broader than it was 20 — whilst it is much broader than it was 20 or— whilst it is much broader than it was 20 or 30 years ago, there is still a _ was 20 or 30 years ago, there is still a large _ was 20 or 30 years ago, there is still a large number of young males in that— still a large number of young males in that sort— still a large number of young males in that sort of 18—35 —year—old group — in that sort of 18—35 —year—old group who— in that sort of 18—35 —year—old group who have a significant amount of disposable income, and gambling becomes— of disposable income, and gambling becomes part of the football experience, either watching the matches — experience, either watching the matches on television or physically attending — matches on television or physically attending. so that's why there's such— attending. so that's why there's such a _ attending. so that's why there's such a close link, simply that advertising in football and other sports _ advertising in football and other sports works because you are gambling on those sports themselves, so there _ gambling on those sports themselves, so there is— gambling on those sports themselves, so there is a _ gambling on those sports themselves, so there is a direct link. if you take _ so there is a direct link. if you take a — so there is a direct link. if you take a look— so there is a direct link. if you take a look at some of the adverts which _ take a look at some of the adverts which are — take a look at some of the adverts which are taking place on a regular basis, _ which are taking place on a regular

basis, in _ which are taking place on a regular basis, in terms of tv and radio, it is even _ basis, in terms of tv and radio, it is even noticeable in the songs which — is even noticeable in the songs which are — is even noticeable in the songs which are being sung at football matches, — which are being sung at football matches, that they now become part of the _ matches, that they now become part of the advertising and marketing campaigns used by the gambling industry— campaigns used by the gambling industry itself. i campaigns used by the gambling industry itself.— industry itself. i really wanted to ask ou industry itself. i really wanted to ask you about — industry itself. i really wanted to ask you about these _ industry itself. i really wanted to ask you about these vip - industry itself. i really wanted to | ask you about these vip schemes industry itself. i really wanted to i ask you about these vip schemes the culture secretary mention, and if you could help us through this, explain to the viewer how it works when somebody considered a high value customer by these companies go through a loss and is enticed to stay, how does that work? what through a loss and is enticed to stay, how does that work? what will ha - en is stay, how does that work? what will happen is you _ stay, how does that work? what will happen is you will — stay, how does that work? what will happen is you will be _ stay, how does that work? what will happen is you will be offered i stay, how does that work? what will happen is you will be offered as i stay, how does that work? what will happen is you will be offered as far i happen is you will be offered as far as physical— happen is you will be offered as far as physical gambling is concerned as opposed _ as physical gambling is concerned as opposed to _ as physical gambling is concerned as opposed to online, for physical you might— opposed to online, for physical you might be _ opposed to online, for physical you might be offered hotel accommodation, you might be given free drinks— accommodation, you might be given free drinks and food whilst you are attending — free drinks and food whilst you are attending an event at a casino, but when _ attending an event at a casino, but when it— attending an event at a casino, but when it comes to online if you sign up when it comes to online if you sign up for— when it comes to online if you sign up for an— when it comes to online if you sign up foran account, when it comes to online if you sign up for an account, if you start to spend _ up for an account, if you start to spend significant amounts of money, potentially _ spend significant amounts of money, potentially you could be given lines of credit _ potentially you could be given lines of credit. we have seen that with some _ of credit. we have seen that with some fairly high profile issues, even _ some fairly high profile issues, even in — some fairly high profile issues, even in relation to people that own

football— even in relation to people that own football clubs, in terms of the amount— football clubs, in terms of the amount of credit they are given, then— amount of credit they are given, then eventually of course like any form _ then eventually of course like any form of _ then eventually of course like any form of credit even though it is not formally— form of credit even though it is not formally using a credit card that money— formally using a credit card that money will have to be paid by the punter _ money will have to be paid by the punter so— money will have to be paid by the punter. so that's how it works. you are effectively given a client representative, therefore somebody in contact _ representative, therefore somebody in contact with you, telling you about — in contact with you, telling you about events, perhaps inviting you to attend — about events, perhaps inviting you to attend racing meetings, to attend football— to attend racing meetings, to attend football matches along with the gambling company, and so on, and it's a _ gambling company, and so on, and it's a very— gambling company, and so on, and it's a very good way of establishing a network— it's a very good way of establishing a network and establishing a relationship with somebody who can be beneficial to the gambling industry because if you make the client— industry because if you make the client happy they are more likely to spend _ client happy they are more likely to spend money with you.— spend money with you. when that s stem spend money with you. when that system goes _ spend money with you. when that system goes wrong, _ spend money with you. when that system goes wrong, have - spend money with you. when that system goes wrong, have you i spend money with you. when thatl system goes wrong, have you seen anything today to suggest they are going to address that problem...? there has been nothing new in terms of what _ there has been nothing new in terms of what we _ there has been nothing new in terms of what we have seen. i think the issue _ of what we have seen. i think the issue of— of what we have seen. i think the issue of free spins, which are heavily— issue of free spins, which are heavily promoted, that is of course

a concern _ heavily promoted, that is of course a concern because the algorithms that are _ a concern because the algorithms that are used in the online slots are designed to make you want to have _ are designed to make you want to have that — are designed to make you want to have that one more go approach, and once you _ have that one more go approach, and once you have used up your free spins— once you have used up your free spins clearly the incentive there is to move _ spins clearly the incentive there is to move to— spins clearly the incentive there is to move to a paid version of the product — to move to a paid version of the product. and that is where the main profits— product. and that is where the main profits lie _ product. and that is where the main profits lie. gambling on football and other sports to a certain extent is seen _ and other sports to a certain extent is seen as— and other sports to a certain extent is seen as an — and other sports to a certain extent is seen as an entry drug to the industry— is seen as an entry drug to the industry because the odds are actually— industry because the odds are actually quite competitive. if you can then — actually quite competitive. if you can then set up an account with an individual— can then set up an account with an individual betting company and then you move _ individual betting company and then you move on to the online slots and casinos, _ you move on to the online slots and casinos, the — you move on to the online slots and casinos, the returns and the margins on those _ casinos, the returns and the margins on those products are higher. all i’ili'it, on those products are higher. right, kieran on those products are higher. fill right, kieran maguire, thank you very much, the host of the price of football podcast, and an academic at liverpool university, thank you for your analysis of this breaking news. let's take a quick look at the history of gambling regulation in the country. these changes are the

biggest overhaul to the industry since the gammon act in 2005. habits have changed significantly since then with an exponentially rising online betting with the growing use of smartphones. the government launched its gambling review in 2020 but publication of the subsequent white paper has been the subject of repeated delays due to a succession of ministerial changes. for those who have become addicted, their smartphone becomes a trap door to despair. katie razzall reports now on the kind of change is a family of addicts wanted to see in these reforms. watford fc, north of london, just one football club gearing up for a big match, with a reminder of gambling at almost every turn. watford plays in the sky bet championship. like many other clubs, it's also sponsored by a betting firm, though not everyone here is happy about it. tom wicks edits the golden pages watford fanzine. i think watford is known as the original family club. we shouldn't have gambling sponsors associated with us. these days, smartphones can act

like a casino in your pocket. people like charles and liz ritchie, who spent the last six years demanding reform. we're not prohibitionist. we're not saying people can't gamble. but it's the role that advertising has of normalising this as a product, that it's a risk free activity. and it's the starting point of dragging young people, children in particular. you know, they go to the football ground where their heroes are. football is so important in this country and they see this product, it'sjust another fun thing to be involved in. their son, jack ritchie, took his own life in 2017, after developing an addiction to gambling that began in his teens. mps who've lobbied for tighter laws, however, welcomed the government's plans, calling them a turning point in online betting regulation. the chief executive of the betting and gaming council, which represents the industry, says...

"we want to see balanced, proportionate and effective reforms, whilst not spoiling the enjoyment of the overwhelming majority who bet perfectly safely and responsibly. changes should also help to protect jobs and the economic contribution made by the world leading uk regulated industry." for the ritchies, whatever the government announces today comes too late to save jack. but they continue working to try to save others. katie razzall, bbc news. we arejust we are just getting more details of the changes the government are proposing for the changes in gambling, the first changes to the laws and around 20 years. attacks on firms we have mentioned and a minimum stakes for online gambling —— the tax on firms. that has gone to a consultation. there will be affordability checks when people lose money. we are also learning the government will give extra powers to the country's gambling regulator to enable it to take down and block illegal gambling sites and tackle

unauthorised operators through court orders. but what does this mean for people who have been affected by gambling themselves? i am joined now by james gambling themselves? i am joined now byjames bryant, who experienced gambling addiction for 12 years and is a the head of education at gambling with lives. james, thank you very much forjoining us on bbc news. can you start by telling us how gambling has affected your life? yeah, thank you for having me on. gambling — yeah, thank you for having me on. gambling impacted, well, devastated every area _ gambling impacted, well, devastated every area of my life. before i placed — every area of my life. before i placed my— every area of my life. before i placed my first bet at 16 years old, perfectly— placed my first bet at 16 years old, perfectly good upbringing, really -ood perfectly good upbringing, really good life. i had my life ahead of me _ good life. i had my life ahead of me then— good life. i had my life ahead of me. then gambling found me and i can honestly— me. then gambling found me and i can honestly say _ me. then gambling found me and i can honestly say as well that i don't have _ honestly say as well that i don't have an — honestly say as well that i don't have an addictive personality, i don't _ have an addictive personality, i don't feel— have an addictive personality, i don't feel particularly vulnerable. actually _ don't feel particularly vulnerable. actually i— don't feel particularly vulnerable. actually i am quite a boring, normal, _ actually i am quite a boring, normal, rational person. gambling was the _ normal, rational person. gambling was the only thing that has caused this harm — was the only thing that has caused this harm to me in my life and i think — this harm to me in my life and i think i— this harm to me in my life and i think... i feel strongly that is

because _ think... i feel strongly that is because of the environment, the products. — because of the environment, the products, the practices, and it took me to _ products, the practices, and it took me to the _ products, the practices, and it took me to the point of not wanting to be here any— me to the point of not wanting to be here any more. i think one of the important — here any more. i think one of the important messages i would love to really— important messages i would love to really get _ important messages i would love to really get right now is that gambling addiction can happen to anyone _ gambling addiction can happen to anyone. this is not about a few flawed — anyone. this is not about a few flawed individuals, nobody is born addicted _ flawed individuals, nobody is born addicted to online casinos. this happens — addicted to online casinos. this happens because of all the things i 'ust happens because of all the things i just mentioned, and that is why the government action we have seen today, _ government action we have seen today, there are some positives, but there _ today, there are some positives, but there are _ today, there are some positives, but there are also a lot of weaknesses in there _ there are also a lot of weaknesses in there and i still think it is all being — in there and i still think it is all being framed on this idea that it is about— being framed on this idea that it is about protecting so—called vulnerable people. iwasn't vulnerable. i had a good life with my life _ vulnerable. i had a good life with my life ahead of me.— vulnerable. i had a good life with my life ahead of me. james, people can make bets _ my life ahead of me. james, people can make bets with _ my life ahead of me. james, people can make bets with their— my life ahead of me. james, people can make bets with their families, l can make bets with their families, play on arcade machines. there is some harmless gambling that even young people can do in this country legally. but you see at 16 gambling found you and it went the wrong way. can you take us through what actually happened to you? yes, i placed my first bet at 16.

actually happened to you? yes, i placed my first bet a- placed my first bet at 16, £5 football bet. _ placed my first bet at 16, £5 football bet. obviously i i placed my first bet at 16, £5| football bet. obviously i was underage and shouldn't have been in the book— underage and shouldn't have been in the book is— underage and shouldn't have been in the book is anyway but there were fast-paced — the book is anyway but there were fast—paced roulette machines in there _ fast—paced roulette machines in there and — fast—paced roulette machines in there and i was using them as a child _ there and i was using them as a child so— there and i was using them as a child so my— there and i was using them as a child so my brain was already becoming addicted, as a child. when i had access— becoming addicted, as a child. when i had access to online gambling, this was— i had access to online gambling, this was at— i had access to online gambling, this was at the time i was off to university— this was at the time i was off to university and at the time i thought i had _ university and at the time i thought i had free _ university and at the time i thought i had free time and free money, and i had free time and free money, and i now— i had free time and free money, and i now know— i had free time and free money, and i now know that neither of those things— i now know that neither of those things are — i now know that neither of those things are free. that is when it escalated _ things are free. that is when it escalated into a complete overwhelming addiction. it was the only thing — overwhelming addiction. it was the only thing i wanted to do. throughout all of this, and it was causing _ throughout all of this, and it was causing severe depression, anxiety, self—loathing, shame, guilt, suicidal— self—loathing, shame, guilt, suicidal thoughts, and behind all of that where multiple gambling companies that were making money from that— companies that were making money from that state that i was in. i can't — from that state that i was in. i can't stay— from that state that i was in. i can't stay quiet on that because i know— can't stay quiet on that because i know what— can't stay quiet on that because i know what happened to me and i see the same _ know what happened to me and i see the same thing happening to so many people _ the same thing happening to so many people and, yes, today's white paper, — people and, yes, today's white paper, there are some positives, but istill— paper, there are some positives, but i still think— paper, there are some positives, but i still think we will see this needs some _ i still think we will see this needs some real— i still think we will see this needs some real fundamental changes to add to it. ~ , ., ~'

some real fundamental changes to add to it. ~ ,, ., ., to it. when you think about your own osition, to it. when you think about your own position. and — to it. when you think about your own position. and l— to it. when you think about your own position, and i know _ to it. when you think about your own position, and i know you _ to it. when you think about your own position, and i know you have i position, and i know you have studied the proposals here very carefully, the announcement made today, with that have helped you, would that have saved you at the time? if would that have saved you at the time? ii i would that have saved you at the time? ., ., , x' , time? if i go to them very quickly, statutory levy _ time? if i go to them very quickly, statutory levy to — time? if i go to them very quickly, statutory levy to fund _ time? if i go to them very quickly, statutory levy to fund research, i statutory levy to fund research, education — statutory levy to fund research, education and treatment, that would have made _ education and treatment, that would have made a big difference because i would _ have made a big difference because i would have _ have made a big difference because i would have got effective evidence—based education as a child which _ evidence—based education as a child which may— evidence—based education as a child which may have put me off gambling in the _ which may have put me off gambling in the first _ which may have put me off gambling in the first place. also the health messaging would have been better so i messaging would have been better so lwouldn't _ messaging would have been better so i wouldn't have thought it was all my own — i wouldn't have thought it was all my own fault. making the products safer— my own fault. making the products safer and _ my own fault. making the products safer and slower would have made a lot of— safer and slower would have made a lot of difference and i would have saved _ lot of difference and i would have saved a _ lot of difference and i would have saved a lot of time and money. but a huge _ saved a lot of time and money. but a huge missed — saved a lot of time and money. but a huge missed opportunity in this is advertising. the government hasjust said publicly that the temptation to gamble _ said publicly that the temptation to gamble is everywhere and that their priority— gamble is everywhere and that their priority is— gamble is everywhere and that their priority is to protect young people, yet they— priority is to protect young people, yet they have done absolutely nothing — yet they have done absolutely nothing to restrict gambling advertising, sponsorship or marketing. where is the evidence that online casino adverts on the radio, _ that online casino adverts on the radio, on— that online casino adverts on the radio, on the school run and 700 gambling — radio, on the school run and 700 gambling adverts every premier

league — gambling adverts every premier league match is safe? it is gambling with the _ league match is safe? it is gambling with the health of young people and it is making life difficult for those — it is making life difficult for those of _ it is making life difficult for those of us in recovery, so we are hoping _ those of us in recovery, so we are hoping anyone out there involved in the promotion of gambling, this should _ the promotion of gambling, this should be a wake—up call to you to say, _ should be a wake—up call to you to say ok. _ should be a wake—up call to you to say, ok, this is a health harming product — say, ok, this is a health harming product and we should not be promoting it. like matt james, really— promoting it. like matt james, really clear message from you that advertising is a gap in really clear message from you that advertising is a gap— advertising is a gap in this legislation _ advertising is a gap in this legislation -- _ advertising is a gap in this legislation -- well, i advertising is a gap in this| legislation -- well, james. advertising is a gap in this i legislation -- well, james. why advertising is a gap in this - legislation -- well, james. why do legislation —— well, james. why do you think they haven't included it? i am really saddened to say that it is not _ i am really saddened to say that it is notjust— i am really saddened to say that it is notjust from lobbying from i am really saddened to say that it is not just from lobbying from the gambling — is not just from lobbying from the gambling industry. we have a situation _ gambling industry. we have a situation where broadcasters, sports governing _ situation where broadcasters, sports governing bodies, sports leagues, sports _ governing bodies, sports leagues, sports clubs, celebrities, dare i say, _ sports clubs, celebrities, dare i say all— sports clubs, celebrities, dare i say all of— sports clubs, celebrities, dare i say, all of these people involved are profiting from the status quo of gambling _ are profiting from the status quo of gambling promotion. the industry spends _ gambling promotion. the industry spends £1.5 billion a year on marketing that product, on their products. — marketing that product, on their products, and that money goes to all of those _ products, and that money goes to all of those organisations. so that is one hell— of those organisations. so that is one hell of— of those organisations. so that is one hell of a big lobby group together saying, let's not change this because we are making money from _ this because we are making money from it _ this because we are making money from it but — this because we are making money from it. but even the premier league

has admitted gambling advertising is harmful— has admitted gambling advertising is harmful by taking it off the front of their— harmful by taking it off the front of their shirts, so for the premier league _ of their shirts, so for the premier league to — of their shirts, so for the premier league to be one step ahead of the government, itjust seems completely incoherent— government, itjust seems completely incoherent with everything else you have just _ incoherent with everything else you have just heard from the secretary of state _ have just heard from the secretary of state. ~ ., i. ., have just heard from the secretary of state. ~ ., ., , of state. would you have been callin: of state. would you have been calling for— of state. would you have been calling for a — of state. would you have been calling for a total _ of state. would you have been calling for a total ban - of state. would you have been calling for a total ban or- of state. would you have been calling for a total ban or did i of state. would you have been l calling for a total ban or did you have specific areas you think would have specific areas you think would have helped somebody like you? i don't think there is any justification to promote addictive online _ justification to promote addictive online casino products in front of young _ online casino products in front of young people, and we really specify our efforts— young people, and we really specify our efforts on football, because of the influence that football has. i think— the influence that football has. i think football would have been the best place to start. although, yes, there _ best place to start. although, yes, there has— best place to start. although, yes, there has been some action from football, — there has been some action from football, there is still going to be advertising all around the pitch, on the side _ advertising all around the pitch, on the side of— advertising all around the pitch, on the side of the shower, and we will have every— the side of the shower, and we will have every league named after a gambling — have every league named after a gambling company. but let's not forget _ gambling company. but let's not forget the more direct form of marketing as well. it is notjust about— marketing as well. it is notjust about traditional advertising. once you are _ about traditional advertising. once you are in — about traditional advertising. once you are in that system and signed up to a gambling company, as mentioned earlier, _ to a gambling company, as mentioned earlier, it _ to a gambling company, as mentioned earlier, it is— to a gambling company, as mentioned earlier, it is the bombardment of free bets. — earlier, it is the bombardment of free bets, free spins, vip schemes,

all of— free bets, free spins, vip schemes, all of this— free bets, free spins, vip schemes, all of this predatory, incessant marketing facilitating addiction and making _ marketing facilitating addiction and making people feel trapped and that they will— making people feel trapped and that they will never be free of their addiction _ addiction. james, the nhs previously addiction. — james, the nhs previously wouldn't accept money from gambling firms, gambling levies, when they were voluntary. that is going to change. that is something you will post about kind of treatments would you like to see the money spent on? first of all, it has to be entirely independent in that the industry now has no _ independent in that the industry now has no involvement in prevention or health— has no involvement in prevention or health messaging at all. the nhs should _ health messaging at all. the nhs should lead on that. evidence—based treatment— should lead on that. evidence—based treatment through the nhs is... there _ treatment through the nhs is... there are — treatment through the nhs is... there are soon to be 15 clinics for nhs _ there are soon to be 15 clinics for nhs based — there are soon to be 15 clinics for nhs based gambling addiction treatment which is a big step forward, _ treatment which is a big step forward, but i think it really needs to take _ forward, but i think it really needs to take out — forward, but i think it really needs to take out the responsible gambling narrative _ to take out the responsible gambling narrative. stop putting all the onus of responsibility on the individual to solve — of responsibility on the individual to solve their problems or to act rationally— to solve their problems or to act rationally when they essentially have _ rationally when they essentially have a — rationally when they essentially have a mental health condition. this is about—

have a mental health condition. this is about flipping it so there is a shared — is about flipping it so there is a shared responsibility and an