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Tuesday, 7 July 2026

Gamble as we say, not as we do

 




Labour to introduce affordability checks for gamblers

Labour is set to forge ahead with financial checks on gambling customers who suffer heavy losses, setting up a clash with bookmakers who oppose the move.

The Gambling Commission is expected to confirm proposals on Tuesday morning to introduce financial risk assessments on online gamblers who lose large sums, including those spending more than £1,000 in a single day.


6 comments:

Tammly said...

The other set of problem gamblers are seated at No10.

dearieme said...

You mean those rather nice young Ukrainian men were to do with gambling? There's a relief.

DiscoveredJoys said...

Governments are in a bit of a cleft stick, of their own making. They officially deplore gambling but don't want to reduce the revenue from taxation or licenses. Same with smoking, drinking, or 'sweets'.

A K Haart said...

Tammly - they rig the odds too.

dearieme - they only wanted to bring a little light into his darkness.

DJ - yes it is a cleft stick. We have become so familiar with taxes on 'vices' that replacing them becomes obvious and contentious.

dearieme said...

We've been discussing the low intellectual standards of MPs. It occurred to me that the last highly intelligent chap we had in Parliament was this fellow - naturally he sat in the Lords.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/2026/07/07/lord-mackay-of-clashfern-lord-chancellor-sweeping-reforms/

A K Haart said...

dearieme - yes, another prominent chap from the past who is a loss to public life. I took a quick gander at his career and this anecdote from Wokeypedia is worth repeating.

"As a Presbyterian, Mackay was a firm believer in moderation. At a gathering for the Faculty of Advocates, Mackay had laid on a spread of tea and toast, complete with a tiny pot of honey. One of the lawyers in attendance contemplated the pot and remarked, "I see your Lordship keeps a bee.""