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.