Since July 2025, a growing group of Labour MPs outside government have been raising their voices in opposition to the party leadership. These elected representatives, both new and old, are calling for the 2005 Gambling Act to be abolished, as it has been described as outdated in the face of current digital practices.
Why an entirely new law?
The aim is to adapt the legislation to the digital challenge: limits on the amounts, speed of play and spending are necessary.
The figures illustrate the urgency: in 2024, revenues generated by non-National Lottery games reached £11.5 billion, up 3.5% on the previous year. High-street slot machines were a big hit, with 74,523 units in operation and revenues of £623 million, including £463 million from the most addictive models, the B3 machines.
The current government is reacting… cautiously
From the executive, the DCMS’s response remains measured. The department points out that certain measures have already been adopted: the introduction of a stake limit for online gambling and the introduction of a compulsory annual levy (RET levy) generating around £100 million to fund the prevention and treatment of excessive gambling, from April 2025.
The Secretary of State, Lisa Nandy, acknowledges the tragic consequences of gambling, citing the case of Luke, a football fan whose addiction led to his suicide in 2021, and assures us that the government is continuing to examine advertising reforms and support for people at risk.
Between a health emergency and a political obstacle
As internal cohesion breaks down, proposals to treat gambling as a public health issue are becoming increasingly important. The stakes are high: complete reform of the 2005 law, reduction of advertising, local control of licences, betting limits, transfer to public health… and greater transparency.
The debate is on: the adoption of a new legal framework could become the most significant turning point in the regulation of gambling in the United Kingdom for two decades.