Gambling Business Group welcome continuity in the DCMS and calls to get triennial ‘back on track'

Nick Harding, Chairman of the Gambling Business Group, has welcomed confirmation that Karen Bradley and Tracey Crouch will continue in their previous roles at the Department for Culture Media & Sport (DCMS).

Has called for there to be an urgent meeting involving the industry and the Department in order to get the triennial process back on track. He stated: “I’m delighted the government has moved quickly to end any uncertainty in the department which means the Gambling Review should now pick up at the earliest opportunity. The industry is committed to the review which we hope will end the uncertainty surrounding gaming on the high street. The need for a consultation document, delivered as swiftly as possible, is unequivocal." Peter Hannibal, Chief Executive of the Gambling Business Group, added: “Uncertainty is the enemy of business and it will be interesting to see how the new political landscape impacts the triennial. With both Labour and the Lib Dems pledging in their manifestos to reduce the maximum stake on FOBTs from £100 to £2 plus (in Labours' case) a slower game speed, and with both of those parties now having more influence in a hung parliament, some observers believe that a lower B2 stake is more likely now than if the Conservatives had achieved an overall majority. There are also other key issues we want to see being dealt with such as enabling contactless payment methods, which is now absolutely vital for gaming machines in pubs. "Whilst the Commission and DCMS aren’t commenting, the impression we have, is that, like ourselves, they are waiting for the dust to settle so that they can kick-start the Gambling Review process."