MPs call for urgent reforms to tackle youth gambling harms

A cross‑party group of MPs has urged the Government to accelerate reforms to protect children from gambling‑related harm, warning that current safeguards have been overtaken by online advertising, gaming mechanics and the rapid growth of digital betting platforms.

The Westminster Hall debate, led by Labour MP Kevin McKenna, highlighted both direct harms—children gambling themselves—and indirect harms, where young people are affected by a parent’s addiction. McKenna described gambling as a public health emergency, citing cases of children as young as seven developing addictions and families bereaved by gambling‑related suicide.

Key concerns raised

• Rising exposure, with up to 49% of 11–17‑year‑olds encountering gambling in the past year
• Heavy online advertising, including tens of thousands of gambling ads during major football broadcasts
• Influencer‑driven promotions reaching children without clear disclosure
• Loot boxes and gaming mechanics that mimic gambling behaviour
• An estimated 1.6 million children living with an adult experiencing gambling addiction

Cross‑party calls for reform

MPs pressed for:

• Stricter limits on gambling advertising
• Stronger age‑verification and enforcement
• Tighter rules on sports sponsorship
• Regulation of influencer‑based promotions
• A public‑health‑led approach to gambling harms

Government response

Culture Minister Ian Murray acknowledged the scale of the issue and pointed to the forthcoming statutory levy, expected to raise £120 million for research, prevention and treatment. He also committed to further work on loot boxes, illegal online casinos and advertising standards.

The debate closed with a renewed call for urgency, with MPs warning that without decisive action the UK risks “a generational slip into gambling addiction.”