The BGC, which represents the regulated betting and gaming industry, has asked for a ‘science-led approach’ claiming there was no evidence that the venues have contributed to the spread of the virus. 

BGC chief executive, Michael Dugher, said: “Nothing matters more to our industry than the safety of our staff and customers, which is why we want to contribute to the national effort to defeat this virus.

“We also welcome the support for businesses forced to close under the second lockdown.

“But when we exit this, the Government must have a science-led approach and avoid the arbitrary and unnecessary decisions that led to random closures of casinos and betting shops, which damage employment and revenues to the Exchequer.”

During the Tiered approach, casinos in England were also ordered to close their doors at 10pm, despite their anti-COVID measures – including perspex screens, track and trace systems and strict social distancing – being described as ‘the best in the hospitality and leisure sector’ by senior public health officials who inspected them.

Meanwhile, those in Tier 3 were ordered to close entirely, despite other venues, such as pubs, being allowed to stay open, provided they serve substantial meals.

Dugher said he welcomed the extension to the furlough scheme which has been announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak but stressed it was ‘vital’ that when the latest lockdown is lifted, casinos and betting shops are allowed to re-open from day one so they can get back to contributing to the economy rather than relying on Government subsidies.

He continued: “At a time when there is widespread despair among sporting bodies, the Government also needs to recognise that a healthy betting industry is vital to the funding of sport, and that betting shops in particular are critical to the financing of horseracing.”

The BGC’s call follows growing parliamentary pressure for greater transparency from the Government amid concerns that ministers are not following the science.

Leading MPs have tabled parliamentary questions demanding the Government publish the Public Health England advice they have received, as well as any data they have justifying their decision process.

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Lauded as a “ground-breaking move,” it sees specialist face-to-face treatment be spread countrywide, building upon current care that has only been available in London.

As part of the move up to 14 new clinics are scheduled to be opening, beginning with the NHS Northern Gambling Service in Leeds this summer, which is set to be followed by Manchester and Sunderland.

Furthermore, The National Problem Gambling Clinic in London will also offer specialist help for children and young people aged 13 to 25, as part of an expansion that will also increase treatment for adults.

Simon Stevens, NHS England chief executive, commented: “The links between problem gambling and stress, depression and mental health problems are growing, and there are too many stories of lives lost and families destroyed.

“This action shows just how seriously the NHS takes the threat of gambling addiction, even in young people, but we need to be clear – tackling mental ill health caused by addiction is everyone’s responsibility – especially those firms that directly contribute to the problem.”

Striving to give individuals faster access to specialist, evidence-based services, clinics will see psychiatrists and clinical psychologists working with patients on severe or complex issues with gambling.

Claire Murdoch, NHS England’s national director for mental health, stated: “This has the potential to be a major turning point and it is all about making sure the NHS does everything it can to help people of all ages, who are seriously addicted to gambling.

“There is already a big push to transform mental health services across the board for children and young people, and the specific focus on gambling related addiction is the logical next step, particularly given the explosion of online gambling.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock added: “I have seen first-hand the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on people’s lives, and I am determined to do everything I can to help anyone affected get the help and support they need.

“We know too many young people face their lives being blighted by problem gambling – so these new clinics will also look at what more can be done to help them.

“These new specialist services, delivered as part of our NHS Long Term Plan, demonstrate the Government’s commitment to tackle the danger problem gambling can pose and my determination to ensure society’s most vulnerable are protected.”

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Uniting health bodies, charities, regulators and businesses in partnership to tackle the issue, the UKGC is calling for action and combined efforts across two key strategic priority areas.

These are prevention and education, including making progress towards a public health prevention plan, and treatment and support, aimed at delivering national treatment and support options.

The UKGC, which stresses it will “continue to take a firm regulatory enforcement approach,” is to also explore the establishment of a new national research centre, with work also being conducted to build a National Data Repository for research purposes.

William Moyes, chairman of the Gambling Commission, explained: “This new strategy will provide us and our partners the opportunity to make faster progress to reduce gambling harms. It will not just benefit the health and well-being of those directly affected and in need of support, but also those such as friends, families, communities and wider society.

“The success of this strategy relies on everyone working together to reduce gambling harms through prevention and education, and treatment and support. Everyone has a role to play to combat gambling harms, and I’m delighted that the health sector, charities and businesses are showing their commitment to get behind the strategy and make it a success.

“We all need to better understand the harms that can be caused by gambling, moving away from simply counting problem gamblers and instead build a greater understanding of the harms experienced. Over the lifetime of the strategy we will better understand the full range of harms and how to protect against them.’’

Furthermore Public Health England will also be conducting the first ever review of evidence on the harms in England relating to gambling, looking at the range and scale of such issues and identifying the impact of gambling on peoples’ health and well-being.

Rosanna O’Connor, director of Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco and Justice at Public Health England, added: “PHE welcomes the strategy’s commitment to taking a public health approach to gambling related harms.

“There is an urgent need to develop a better understanding of these harms and how best to respond to them, and PHE has been commissioned by Government to undertake a comprehensive independent evidence review on the public health harms of gambling.

“In addition, the National Institute for Health Research has commissioned a complementary review of the effectiveness of policies and interventions for reducing gambling-related harm, which will form part of PHE’s report. Our full evidence review is expected in spring next year.”

Marc Etches, CEO of GambleAware, welcomed the move: “Gambling is a serious public health issue, and we welcome the importance the Gambling Commission has placed on collaboration between organisations to help reduce gambling harms.

“GambleAware has a central role in commissioning core elements of the National Strategy, including the research programme and the emerging National Gambling Treatment Service, working with the NHS and others to help direct people to the right intervention.”

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Requesting views and data on the issue of gambling online with credit cards as well improving player control measures on all category B gaming machines, both are available upon its website from 10am this morning (Thursday 21 February).

This follows calls made last year where the UKGC backed a principle that consumers should not gamble with money they do not have, stating “gambling with borrowed money is already well-established as a risk factor for harmful gambling”.

It is now seeking meaningful input to help determine if restrictions, potentially including an outright ban, are necessary to limit risks to consumers.

Furthermore, a call for evidence regarding category B gaming machines and player protection is intended to give an opportunity for gambling businesses to outline how they will meet the challenges set out in the government’s ‘Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures,’ over the protections for players using category B gaming machines.

Paul Hope, an executive director at the Gambling Commission, explained: “We are exploring measures that could help reduce the risk of harm to consumers who use their credit cards to gamble online, and to those who play on all category B machines.

“We want consumers, gambling firms and other interested parties to have their say and provide evidence that will help us make gambling safer.”

In April, the maximum stake on category B2 gaming machines (fixed odds betting terminals) will be reduced from £100 to £2. Category B1 machines in casinos and category B3 machines, sited in arcades, bingo halls and betting shops, offer maximum stakes of £5 and £2 respectively, but at up to eight times the speed of play of B2 games.

Data indicates that the risks associated with category B1 and B3 machines are broadly similar to the risks with B2 machines at a £100 maximum stake – the reason why the commission said last year in its advice to government that it wanted to explore player protection options further.

Those options include tracking play, using time and monetary limits and alerts, and communicating messages about gambling safely. The commission also said it wants to hear about industry efforts to evaluate harm prevention measures.

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Speaking to Inside Asian Gaming GEG deputy chairman Francis Lui revealed that requests for information have been submitted to seven cities, namely Nagasaki, Osaka, Tomakomai in Hokkaido, Wakayama, and Yokohama as well as prefectures Aichi and Hokkaido.

Explaining its active roles in the RFI process, Lui stated at a round-table event held in Tokyo: “At the moment we are continuing to study all the cities that are interested to have an IR in Japan.

“We have had our office in Japan for a few years now and have been talking to, listening to, [and] understanding various parts of Japan – how an IR would be able to help the local economy.

“Different cities have different needs or different requirements and preferences. Bigger cities like Osaka and smaller cities like Wakayama – each of them have their own uniqueness and own preferences, which is why we need to understand more before we make a decision.”

“We would like to do something else that would be complementary to the city”

Before going on to discuss potential locations in a little more detail, Lui explained that GEG’s approach would not be slapdash and that construction would have to compliment its surroundings: “In a city like Osaka, we would not be building a theme park such as a Universal Studios, and we won’t be building a baseball park in Osaka either, because we don’t want to build facilities that would be competing with existing facilities.

“We would like to do something else that would be complementary to the city and the establishments there. That’s why we need to learn what we can do for each city – that’s our approach.”

With an understanding that any potential winning bid would have to secure partnerships with local companies, Lui explained that, although still undecided, it is very much an avenue GEG is keen to explore: “I think we always need partners and in a country like Japan, we are only a guest of the country so we need local partners to be able to do an IR the right way.

“We are always looking for good, reliable Japanese partners to be helping the consortium … but on a shareholder level it is something we can’t answer at the moment because, like in any international practice, we have to decide which partner will do what.”

Adding: “I think it is too premature for us to say what we must have. We need to sit down and discuss it pragmatically.”

“We are always looking for good, reliable Japanese partners“

Coming off the back of a successful 2018 thus far, one of the primary concerns is public opposition to IR construction, with Lui stressing that there’s a need for operators, government and media to work together and educate the public on what it represents.

It is widely expected that the first IR’s are to open their doors in either 2024 or 2025, with an oversight body handling casino regulation set to be established in the summer of 2019.

Following that, local governments interested in hosting an IR are to select operators by the close of next year, before central government chooses the winners and awards the first trio of licenses by the year 2020.

It is hoped that through passing the integrated resorts implementation bill, a greater number of international visitors will be attracted to Japan, helping to achieve the government’s objective of attracting 60 million inbound visitors by 2030.

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Analysts for research firm Macquarie Research have given notice that the Gold Coast may not be “the most attractive market” for a prospective new integrated resort and casino.

Detailed in the Gold Coast Bulletin, published material reveals that creation of a new multi-billion dollar ‘global tourism hub,” could potentially have a far more significant impact upon the local market.

As a number of firm’s jostle for position, and global heavyweights begin to flex their muscles regarding construction, an analyst from Macquarie commented that any creation in excess of AU$400m could well struggle to deliver an appropriate return.

Speaking to the local Australian publication, it was further stressed that:“We see challenges generating an appropriate return on a development larger than $400 million, which compares to media speculation of around $2 billion.

“The Gold Coast is not the most attractive market for a new integrated resort and casino, in our view, relative to other regions within Australia.

“With a decision up to the Queensland Government, they will need to assess the net community benefits and determine whether it deters The Star Gold Coast from completing its recently approved $2 billion masterplan.”

Florida-based global giant Hard Rock International is the most recent firm to express its interest in the Gold Coast, revealing its Tokyo-based Asian board have given the go-ahead to a AU$2bn action plan for a prospective second casino licence.

The company have stated that it could replicate its integrated resort within Barcelona if given the green-light by State Government, which would see the inclusion of 1000 rooms, a shopping precinct, major entertainment centre and casino.

Furthermore, Australian casino operator The Star Entertainment Group recently saw the Queensland Government grant approval for a AU$2bn “masterplan” expansion of its The Star Gold Coast property.

Stressing the importance of the investment, slated for completion in 2022, Matt Bekier, MD and CEO of The Star Entertainment Group, commented: “This would be a project of incredible scale, delivering substantial economic benefit to the State from jobs and increased tourism visitation.”

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The organisation hopes to build upon its current operations, which stretch to Cyprus as well as Macau and Manila, and is targeting an influx of millennials and Chinese tourists via initial plans to occupy a part of the future integrated resort scene in Japan.

Stating such ambition, which Melco hopes will drastically increase inbound tourism numbers to the land of rising sun, could well appeal to the nation’s government, which is striving to achieve a visitation increase to 60 million by 2030.

Geoffrey Davis, chief financial officer of Melco Resorts & Entertainment, is quoted as saying: “It is very likely that the esports stadium [will] become one of the key components for our integrated resort in Japan.

“The content that esports offers will be very diverse, with the advancement of technology, by the time a resort opens in Japan.”

Reports suggest that China is expected to be the biggest player in the burgeoning esports industry, with Melco, who via its Macau EStadium became the first casino operator to open such an arena in the region, believing its close Chinese links stand it in good stead.

Davis added: “The Japan resort will attract visitors, most likely from the region. Having relationships with Chinese customers can be a big strength for Melco to contribute to Japan’s inbound tourism.”

Melco, who are targeting “big gateway cities where we can successfully deploy our capital” for its IR proposal, are joined by a number of multinational corporations, including MGM Resorts, Galaxy Entertainment and Caesars, in the race to secure one of just three licenses expected to be initially handed out.

The Japanese government is expected to issue the first of those by 2020, with the first IR set to welcome visitors thought to be doing so around 2024/2025.

An oversight body handling casino regulation is set to be established in the summer of 2019, following which local governments interested in hosting an IR are to select operators by the close of that year, before central government chooses the winners and awards the first trio of licenses by the close of 2020.

Ayako Nakayama, director of operations at trade group Japan IR Association, concluded: “Casino operators are starting to put esports facilities into their resorts, hoping to increase occupancy by bringing in international players worldwide for various tournaments.

“They are unlikely to secure the occupancy rate of hotels and convention centres with only general visitors. Specific events that can draw massive amounts of customers are necessary for their resort management.”

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The All-in Diversity Project has announced a further strengthening of its advisory board, with “industry heavyweight” Susan Hensel (pictured right) the latest to join the industry-driven not-for-profit initiative.

Currently the director of licensing for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB), Hensel is charged with overseeing licensing of the state’s casinos, as well as other gaming and sports wagering related companies, in addition to the employees working in and supporting those sectors.

Speaking of the latest appointment, Kelly Kehn, co-founder of the All-in Diversity Project, which aims to benchmark standards for diversity, equality and inclusiveness across the sector, explained: “This is a tipping point for the All-in Diversity Project. It feels like we are on the verge of a break-through, and Susan’s experience and deep knowledge of the industry, both nationally and internationally, coupled with her passion to see it improve and thrive will be invaluable, as we and the world of betting and gambling move into new and uncharted territories.

“Susan agreeing to join our board couldn’t come at a better time, and we look forward to working with an individual who has the respect of the international community in a way very few others have.”

Amongst previous roles served, Hensel has undertaken the post of secretary, vice president and president of the International Association of Gaming Regulators, as well as occupying executive level positions with Pennsylvania state government, including assistant general counsel in the Governor’s office of general counsel.

Addressing the latest appointment, Hensel added: “I am honoured to serve our industry by participating as a member of the All-In Diversity advisory board.  

“I applaud All-In for its evidence based approach and its global perspective, and look forward to assisting in the organisation’s efforts to not only gain greater insight and understanding into the importance of diversity, equality, and inclusion, but also to increase awareness of these realities within the global gaming sector.”

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With 25,000 UK children classed as problem gamblers, the initiative, brought forward by cross-party think-tank Demos and GambleAware, aims to provide lessons to prevent gambling related harm amongst school age children.

The pilot, which intends to teach about the risks of problem gambling, where to receive help and support and tactics employed to encourage gambling amongst others, was undertaken by a sample of 650 pupils.

Of those students, 41 percent stated they had participated in gambling within last year, mostly doing so through using money to place bets (21%), followed by playing fruit machines (17%) and playing cards for money (14%).

Simone Vibert, Social Policy Researcher at Demos, said: “Given that young people are routinely taught about the risks of drugs, alcohol and underage sex, the fact that so few are taught about gambling is an anomaly.

“Problem gambling can wreak havoc on people’s lives, not to mention their friends, families and the wider economy. Prevention is clearly preferable to treatment later down the line.  

These lessons encourage pupils to weigh risk, manage impulses and advise others – all things that can help prevent problem gambling and other risky behaviour too.

“We therefore call upon the Government and schools to use these resources to help develop the skills and resilience of pupils, confident in the knowledge that they have been proven to make a difference.”

Over the course of its twelve month test period several substantial rises were reported amongst the students, including describing ways to help someone experiencing gambling problems (20%), knowing where to go to talk (18%), being able to describe delayed gratification (11%) and understanding gambling encouragement techniques (10%).

A seven percent decline in pupils participating in playing cards for money was also reported during the observation period.

Dr Jane Rigbye, Director of Education at GambleAware, added: “There are legitimate concerns about the impact of gambling-related advertising and the normalisation of gambling for children.

“It is in this context, that GambleAware is pleased to have funded this project to explore what may be effective in helping children to understand the nature of gambling and the associated risks, and to become resilient to the harms that can arise.

“We hope the success of this project will support that case for gambling and the risks it poses to be included in the PSHE curriculum in schools in the future.”

Over 100 schools have since expressed an interest in taking part, with the results also having been submitted to the government as part of a consultation into PSHE lesson content.

Demos and GambleAware have highlighted the need to include gambling-related harm when teaching children about risky behaviours.

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Funded by all sectors of the gambling industry, GambleAware, who promote education, harm prevention and treatment services related to gambling addiction, was set a £10m target in 2016/17 by the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board, who in turn are responsible for advising both the Gambling Commission and UK government.

Marc Etches, GambleAware chief executive, said: “It is imperative that all businesses deriving a profit from commercial gambling in Britain support GambleAware in the delivery of the National Responsible Gambling Strategy.

“This initiative by NCF’s members will ensure transparency in relation to the casino sector’s funding of research, education and treatment, and sets an important bench-mark for others”.

The National Casino Forum (NCF) is to change the terms of its membership, making it clear to operators that they will be expected to make the required donation of their GGY.

It will also be highlighted that donations to other charities will be in addition to GambleAware, and documented separately.  

Tracy Damestani, chief executive of the NCF, added: “This is an historic commitment by casino operators. They are guaranteeing that the casino sector will donate 0.1% of Gross Gambling Yield to GambleAware, in addition to making other charitable donations. They are underpinning this pledge by introducing a transparent new payment system.

“The casino sector has always supported fundraising for research, education and treatment, and casino operators are determined to go beyond both the letter and the spirit of the Act in their support for responsible and safer gambling.

“They want to ensure that research, education, prevention and treatment programmes are fully funded across the gambling industry”.

The charity has recently announced a record number of donations totalling £8m, however, that figure still falls 20% short of its annual target.

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