Lukeslaw

The whitepaper is due out next week and we are expecting it to have very little changes tbh. Free bets will be banned to some degree but only those who are showing huge loses. I have already seen bookies giving 'cash back' so they will always work their way round it. Just wish the government weren't so useless 😕

Dear Mrs Ashton, Many thanks for your email - I do hope this finds you well. I recognise that gambling is for many people an enjoyable pastime, but equally that for many people it can become a serious problem. While we all want a healthy gambling industry that makes an important contribution to the economy, we must also do everything we can to protect those that use it from harm. Operators providing gambling facilities to customers in Great Britain must be licensed by the Gambling Commission and comply with the conditions of their operating licences. In recent years, the Gambling Commission has also introduced a number of licence conditions specifically in relation to online gambling to ensure the protection of children and vulnerable people. In 2019, the Gambling Commission introduced new age and identity verification rules to ensure operators verify customers’ age and identity details quickly and robustly. Furthermore, in 2020, the Government and Commission strengthened these protections further, including a ban on credit card gambling, making participation in the self-exclusion scheme GAMSTOP mandatory for online operators, as well as issuing new guidance for operators to address the potential for some customers to be at heightened risk during the Covid-19 pandemic. For further information on GAMSTOP, please search: https://www.gamstop.co.uk/. I understand Public Health England’s evidence review of gambling-related harms did not find any review-level evidence that exposure to advertising is a risk factor for harmful gambling. However, I am reassured that my ministerial colleagues are aware that gambling advertising can have a disproportionate impact on some groups, such as those who are already experiencing problems with gambling, and there are aspects of advertising which can appeal to children. While rules are already in place to prevent advertising from causing harm to children and vulnerable people, the Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP) has recently implemented strengthened protections for adults who are vulnerable to gambling harm. A further announcement on new rules aimed at reducing the appeal of gambling adverts to children is also expected shortly. I am delighted that the Government recognises that it is increasingly apparent that the Gambling Act 2005 is an analogue law in a digital age. The review of the Gambling Act 2005 was launched in December 2020 with the publication of a wide-ranging Call for Evidence. This review is examining online restrictions, marketing and the powers of the Gambling Commission. Furthermore, specifically in regard to online gambling, protections for online gamblers like stake and spend limits, advertising and promotional offers and whether extra protections for young adults are needed are also being explored. I understand that the Government aims to publish a White Paper setting out any conclusions and consulting on next steps in the coming months. Thank you again for taking the time to contact me. Yours, Alberto

Yes, please! If you get one. Thank you so much. 💙

Hello all, I am still plugging away in the hope that the Gambling Act review white paper will make some important changes to Gambling laws and make it safer. The whitepaper has been delayed, again, and I am hoping that once released, so called 'free bets' will be banned as well as some restrictions on Gambling Advertising. There is a letter that you can now send to your MP https://cleanupgambling.com/lobby That is the last plea to our government to do the right thing. It takes less than a minute to complete but could make a huge difference to help protect against Gambling harm and future suicides, like my husband's, Luke. Hope you do not mind me posting and you are not to fed up of me asking you to sign things. 🙂 I do appreciate all of your support 💙💙💙 Annie Ashton

I do agree! It is annoying and unnecessary. I have not met a single person who wants this stuff rammed down their throats constantly. Another note, I have now written to LCFC about the ties they have with the betting companies such as LOVEBET etc. Enough is enough! We have the most betting partnerships (i think) out of all the prem league clubs. Disgusting!

The white paper for Gambling regulations is due out early next year. Hopefully something will be included in that. I would hate for the opportunity to be missed and clubs just carry on regardless when harm is being experienced by so many people.

Thanks Raj. 💙

Me too! If F1 can break away from tobacco advertising then I am sure football can from gambling. The profit being made from football from children re: tickets, clothing, merchandise surely outweighs gam ads.

Thank you. 💙

Some of you already know my story but I will briefly go into it for the sake of this post. I lost my husband, Luke, to Gambling Related Suicide in April. He was a kind man with a very strong work ethic and loved his family dearly. Luke had no mental health problems and was generally a fit and healthy person. He was furloughed last October and after receiving 'Free bets' quickly lost control, which led to him taking his own life. As you can imagine, the pain has been immense and the loss unbearable. Luke was a MASSIVE city fan. He went to away games with his friends and took my son to home games. He loved his team and because of that, I have continued to take my son to every home game this season. The problem we have is that whilst we are trying to enjoy the game, the pitch lights up with relentless Gam ads and my son finds it quite upsetting as do I. Last week, my son wouldn't go to watch the Arsenal game, which I had bought tickets for, because he just finds it so awkward and almost sinks into his seat. I don't want him to hate football especially because he loved going so much with his dad. Would fans really be bothered if those ads were not there? I know tne club get revenue from those ads but in context it is only a small percentage of overall income (contrary to belief). I was considering writing to LCFC and asking them to cut ties with gambling firms, like some smaller clubs are doing. I can give it a go right? I obviously know that people have different opinions on this, but please if you are posting, just be aware that I have lost my husband and do not deserve silly comments (never had them on this forum but have had some heartless comments on other platforms and forums). Edit: Just a thought...would anyone else like their name added to the letter?

Considering writing a letter to LCFC asking them to stop pitch side gam ads. It is really awkward when my son and I come to the game and thats what's flashing around the pitch. Would people even care if it wasn't there?

Thanks Ric. It was hard for me to watch back to be honest. Still doesn't feel like it is me talking about those things. It us all very raw and the group of us, who were all sat around the table, were in tears for most of the time. Well done on your recovery btw. 👏 Thank you everyone on here who keep bumping it for me, I really appreciate it. 💙

Bombardment of unnecessary advertising. No one needs it.

Lets hope LCFC follow suit. Pitchside gambling adverts are hard to see when Im sat there with my son 5 months after his dad died from gambling related suicide. Just wish they would do the right thing.

Hi all, posting this everywhere so thought I would post in here too. I know some of you follow me on twitter now and/or on facebook so will probably see this anyway. On 2nd October, we have decided to do a fundraiser 'Light Up for #LukesLaw' to raise awareness of gambling harm and suicide. This is also Luke's birthday. 💙💙💙 We will be meeting 5pm at the Town Hall and walking to the KP stadium (route tbc) in the hope of gaining more signatures on Luke'sLaw petition and also raising funds for 'Gambling with Lives' who are an independent lived experience charity and have been helping me with pretty much everything to do with the campaign and more. LCFC tshirts and glowsticks are to be worn and/or bright colours/fancy dress (whatever floats your boat). In the evening, there will be drinks at Newfoundpool Working Men's Club, where there will be some food and (hopefully) a dj or a band. Donations will be done through a 'gofundme' page to be posted soon. Unfortunately, there will be no fireworks, which we were hoping to do, as there is no capacity for it at the venue. But, music is being sort after as entertainment to replace the fireworks. Hope this all makes sense. Any questions, please ask. 🙏 💙💙💙