Where gambling facilities are offered, operators must have a licence from the Gambling Commission and have controls in place to prevent underage gambling.<\/p>
<\/p>
Loot boxes do not fall under gambling law where the in-game items acquired are confined for use within the game and cannot be cashed out. However, the Government is aware of concerns that loot boxes and other entertainment products, such as some video games, could encourage gambling-like behaviour and longer term lead to gambling related harm, and will continue to look closely at any evidence around this issue. We welcome the recent introduction by the VSC Ratings Board and PEGI of a new label for video games to warn parents where they include the opportunity to make in-game purchases.<\/p>
<\/p>
In September 2018, the Gambling Commission, along with 16 other regulators from Europe and the USA signed a declaration which outlined common concerns around gaming and gambling. The regulators agreed to work together to monitor the characteristics of video games and social gaming and where there is potential cross-over into gambling.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4169", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Viscount Younger of Leckie"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Viscount Younger of Leckie"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-12-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-12-17T17:58:31.713Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2018-12-03", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling: Video Games"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to conduct an investigation into the impact loot boxes in video games have on (1) underage gambling, and (2) instances of gambling related harm.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"} ], "uin" : "HL11957"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1017368", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1017368/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "
Loot boxes do not fall under gambling law where the in-game items acquired are confined for use within the game and cannot be cashed out. However, the Government is aware of concerns that entertainment products, such as some video games, could encourage gambling-like behaviour, and will continue to look closely at any evidence around this issue.<\/p>
<\/p>
We welcome the recent introduction by the VSC Ratings Board and PEGI of a new label for video games to warn parents where they include the opportunity to make in-game purchases.<\/p>
<\/p>
The Gambling Commission, as the regulator for gambling in Great Britain, has strong powers and can take action where it needs to address emerging risks.<\/p>
<\/p>
In September 2018, the Gambling Commission published a declaration signed by 16 gambling regulators, which outlined common concerns around gaming and gambling. The regulators agreed to work together to monitor the characteristics of video games and social gaming and where there is potential cross-over into gambling.<\/p>
<\/strong><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-12-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-12-10T12:06:06.9Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling: Video Games"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) Belgium's decision to ban loot boxes in online games, and (2) the social impact adopting a similar policy would have on reducing gambling related harm in the UK.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL11928"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1017043", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1017043/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Neither Government nor Gambling Commission holds data on the number of problem gamblers aged 18 and over or under 18.<\/p> <\/p> The Health Survey for England and Scotland 2016 and Problem Gambling Survey Wales 2016 estimated the number of problem gamblers aged 16 and over in Great Britain as approximately 340,000, 0.7% of the population. Of these, approximately 280,000 were in England (based on 40 individuals identified as problem gamblers), approximately 40,000 in Scotland (based on 24 individuals) and approximately 20,000 in Wales (based on 29 individuals).<\/p> <\/p> All estimates are rounded to the nearest 10,000 and due to the low prevalence of problem gambling among respondents to the survey have large confidence intervals. There is 95% confidence that the true estimate for the total number of problem gamblers aged 16 and over in Britain is between 250,000 and 460,000.<\/p> <\/p> The Gambling Commission\u2019s 2018 Young People and Gambling Report estimated that 1.7% of 11-16 year olds were problem gamblers, or approximately 55,000 if extrapolated to the population of Great Britain. This number is based on a survey completed by 2,865 children in schools in England, Scotland and Wales. Of these, 37 children were identified as problem gamblers: 30 in England, 3 in Scotland and 4 in Wales. Due to the low number of respondents it is not possible to provide robust estimates for the number of problem gamblers in each country.<\/p> <\/p> All estimates of the total figures of problem gamblers in Great Britain should be treated with caution due to the low numbers of individuals on which they are based.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-12-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-12-11T12:41:17.267Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-28", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government how many problem gamblers they estimate are (1) under 18 years old, and (2) 18 years old or more, in (a) England, (b) Scotland, and (c) Wales.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL11888"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1011244", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1011244/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government considered the evidence on gambling advertising as part of the Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures.<\/p> <\/p> The review found that although the number of gambling adverts on TV rose from 2007, reported rates of problem gambling remained below 1% during this period. The most recent survey estimated the number of adult problem gamblers in Great Britain as approximately 340,000, 0.7% of the adult population. A major research survey concluded that the impact of advertising on problem gambling prevalence is likely to be relatively small, but identified areas for further research.<\/p> <\/p> There are already strict rules on the tone, content and placement of gambling adverts, and while the Review did not conclude there was a case for a ban, it set out measures to strengthen protections further. Further research has been commissioned by GambleAware into the impact of gambling advertising on children, young people and those vulnerable to harm. This is due to be completed next year. We will keep these issues under review including examining new evidence as it emerges.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-11-30", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-11-30T12:34:11.987Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-11-20", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling: Advertising"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact a ban on gambling advertising on television would have on the number of problem gamblers in the UK; if so, what effect they estimate such a ban would have on that number; and what studies, if any, they have carried out to make such an estimate.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL11605"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/984263", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/984263/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Review of Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility has taken action to reduce gambling-related harm and ensure that those experiencing problems can access the help they need. As well as reducing the maximum stake from £100 to £2 on B2 gaming machines, government's response announced increased safeguards on online gambling and strengthened protections around gambling advertising. We also set out measures to improve understanding of gambling-related harm, how to prevent and reduce it, the need for treatment and the most effective means of delivering it. We are working closely with the Gambling Commission, Public Health England, GambleAware and health bodies on the follow up to these initiatives.<\/p> <\/p> Prior to the Review, the Responsible Gambling Strategy Board (RGSB), the independent advisors to the Gambling Commission, published a three year National Responsible Gambling Strategy in 2016. The strategy identified 12 areas for action by a range of bodies, including developing a better understanding of gambling-related harm and identifying improvements in treatment. Regular progress reports have been published and the Commission is working with the RGSB and partners on the shaping of a future strategy.<\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-10-23", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-10-23T11:00:28.73Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-09", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the case for the development of a national strategy for the prevention and treatment of harms resulting from gambling.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL10471"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980128", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980128/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Questions about gambling participation are included in the large scale English and Scottish Health Surveys and an alternative omnibus survey for Wales. The Combined Health Survey for England, Scotland and Wales 2016 results were published on 6 September 2018 and can be found at https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2016.pdf<\/a> . A copy of which is attached.<\/p> In addition, the Gambling Commission collects participation data through smaller scale quarterly telephone and online surveys and monitors underage gambling through its young persons survey. The latest information can be found at: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/news-action-and-statistics/Statistics-and-research/Levels-of-participation-and-problem-gambling/Gambling-participation-and-problem-gambling.aspx<\/a>. A copy of the full document is also attached.<\/p> <\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "attachment" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980128/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2016.pdf"}
, "title" : "Gambling Behavior 2016 "}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980128/answer/attachment/2", "fileName" : {"_value" : "Gambling-participation-in-2017-behaviour-awareness-and-attitudes.pdf"}
, "title" : "Gambling participation 2017 "}
], "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-10-15T16:59:26.173Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans, if any, they have to conduct a large-scale gambling prevalence survey.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL10397"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980129", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980129/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The Government does not hold data on the number of divorces caused by problem gambling. The Government published its response, which I attach, to the Consultation on proposed changes to Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility Measures on 17 May 2018: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-proposals-for-changes-to-gaming-machines-and-social-responsibility-measures<\/a><\/p>"}
, "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4247", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
}
, "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Ashton of Hyde"}
, "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980129/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "Government_response_to_the_consultation_on_proposals_for_changes_to_gaming_machines_and_social_responsibility_measures.pdf"}
, "title" : "Government Response "}
, "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2018-10-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2018-10-15T17:00:08.033Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
]}
, "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "10"}
, "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
, "date" : {"_value" : "2018-10-01", "_datatype" : "dateTime"}
, "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Gambling"}
, "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"}
, "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"}
}
], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate, if any, they have made of the contribution of gambling-related harm to the UK divorce rate.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
, "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/3318", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Chadlington"}
}
, "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Chadlington"}
], "uin" : "HL10398"}
, {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980131", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport"}
], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/980131/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " The draft Statutory Instrument needed to reduce the maximum stake on sub-category B2 machines to £2 was notified to the European Commission in September under the requirements of the EU Technical Standards and Regulations Directive. We intend to lay the draft affirmative regulations before Parliament, for the usual process of approval, in the Autumn term.Questions about gambling participation are included in the large scale English and Scottish Health Surveys and an alternative omnibus survey for Wales. The Combined Health Survey for England, Scotland and Wales 2016 results were published on 6 September 2018 and can be found at https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/PDF/survey-data/Gambling-behaviour-in-Great-Britain-2016.pdf<\/a>. A copy of the survey is attached.<\/p>