Damian Collins on Gambling

With the issue of gambling in the headlines once more we took the
opportunity to talk to the Chairman (previously and possibly once
agin following the elections to the post) of the Digital Culture
Media and Sports Select Committee. Our discussion ranged from
changes to stakes on Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, to whether
closing high street bookies increase the possibility for problem
gambling online. We discussed the issue of scratch cards and the
fact that children are allowed to gamble in the UK, and whether
the National Lottery gets an easy ride as it raises money for
good causes, in spite of the fact that around only 10% of scratch
card profits go to these good causes.


We discuss the relationship betting has both with sport in
general and that of racing.


We touch upon the recent announcement of banning credit card
transactions and what impact that ay have, whether future
legislation or indeed a select committee inquiry may be in the
offing, and what advice would be on offer to someone in charge of
a gambling company should they ask.