Gambling Lobby Pushes Back Against Calls to Tax Industry, Denies Social Ills
The head of the UK's main betting and gaming lobby group, Grainne Hurst, has sparked controversy by telling MPs that there are no "social ills" associated with gambling. Her comments come as parliament's Treasury select committee considers plans to increase taxes on the industry, which could raise billions of pounds for the government.
Hurst claimed that higher taxes would have devastating consequences, including thousands of job losses and the push of punters into using hidden market services. She also argued that the current tax system is "properly taxed" and that further increases would be counterproductive.
However, experts who appeared before the committee disagreed with Hurst's views. Stewart Kenny, a retired bookmaker, expressed regret over his past actions and acknowledged the need to protect problem gamblers. He advocated for higher taxes on riskier forms of gambling, such as online casinos, and more stringent measures to prevent addiction.
Kenny's comments were echoed by other experts who told the committee that taxing the industry could significantly increase revenue without causing harm to consumers. Meanwhile, the chancellor is under pressure to announce a range of tax rises in her budget next month.
Critics, including committee chair Meg Hillier, have expressed frustration at the gambling industry's stance on taxation. She said that representatives from the sector should accept that certain forms of gambling cause social harm and that it was not a defensible position.
As the debate over taxation continues, one thing is clear: the government will need to balance its desire for revenue with the need to protect consumers from the risks associated with gambling.
The head of the UK's main betting and gaming lobby group, Grainne Hurst, has sparked controversy by telling MPs that there are no "social ills" associated with gambling. Her comments come as parliament's Treasury select committee considers plans to increase taxes on the industry, which could raise billions of pounds for the government.
Hurst claimed that higher taxes would have devastating consequences, including thousands of job losses and the push of punters into using hidden market services. She also argued that the current tax system is "properly taxed" and that further increases would be counterproductive.
However, experts who appeared before the committee disagreed with Hurst's views. Stewart Kenny, a retired bookmaker, expressed regret over his past actions and acknowledged the need to protect problem gamblers. He advocated for higher taxes on riskier forms of gambling, such as online casinos, and more stringent measures to prevent addiction.
Kenny's comments were echoed by other experts who told the committee that taxing the industry could significantly increase revenue without causing harm to consumers. Meanwhile, the chancellor is under pressure to announce a range of tax rises in her budget next month.
Critics, including committee chair Meg Hillier, have expressed frustration at the gambling industry's stance on taxation. She said that representatives from the sector should accept that certain forms of gambling cause social harm and that it was not a defensible position.
As the debate over taxation continues, one thing is clear: the government will need to balance its desire for revenue with the need to protect consumers from the risks associated with gambling.
. Thousands of job losses is a big deal, and if punters are pushed into using underground services, that's just a recipe for disaster. The industry needs to take responsibility for its own problems, not just sit there and deny social ills exist 
. I mean, Stewart Kenny saying he regrets his past actions as a bookmaker, that's real talk right there 
. We need more people like him speaking out about the harm caused by excessive gambling. The government needs to find a balance between raising revenue and protecting consumers, but it's time for the industry to step up and show they care too 
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like, what? No social ills at all? I mean, I've seen people get so deep into debt because of gaming and it's heartbreaking. My cousin's friend used to be a regular gambler but ended up losing his house and family because of it 
. And then there are the hidden market services that just take advantage of vulnerable people... it's not right.
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... I mean, we all know how addictive it can be and the impact it has on people's lives. I get that they wanna make some cash but thousands of job losses? thats just too much 
... Stewart Kenny said somethin that made sense, tax online casinos more and add protections for problem gamblers 
... Its not about villainizin the whole industry, its about bein responsible and lookin out for each other 