UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is contemplating a significant shift in policy that could grant local councils increased authority over the planning and establishment of gambling venues. This move comes in response to growing demands from local government bodies seeking more control over the location and density of gambling establishments within their jurisdictions. This consideration includes the introduction of cumulative impact assessments and potential reforms to the 2005 Gambling Act.
Local councils have expressed a strong desire to factor in household debt levels and to have the authority to prevent the opening of gambling venues in close proximity to schools. Additionally, these councils are advocating for the ability to regulate bingo halls and gaming centers more stringently, impose restrictions on gambling advertising, and review technical rules governing gaming machines. While the demand for more localized control is vocal, the Gambling Commission continues to emphasize the importance of local authorities in the inspection and regulation of gambling establishments.
Starmer’s comments have sparked discussions that could signal the imposition of new restrictions on the gambling industry, which has already been under scrutiny for its social impacts. The conversation also dovetails with ongoing concerns about potential tax hikes in the sector. The industry is actively lobbying against the proposed Remote Betting and Gaming Duty, a subject that awaits confirmation in the forthcoming budget. These developments have set the stage for what could be a transformative period for UK gambling regulations, reflecting broader trends in governmental oversight and public health considerations.
Amidst these discussions, GambleAware, a charity focused on reducing gambling harm, is calling for urgent temporary restrictions on gambling content marketing in the UK. This call aims to protect minors while new regulatory frameworks are developed. Reports indicate that British children are increasingly exposed to gambling content through social media influencers, a trend that raises significant concerns. Studies have highlighted that 87% of children aged 13-17 have encountered gambling content online, with platforms like Twitch and TikTok being major contributors.
GambleAware is urging regulators to tackle the influence of digital platforms and influencer marketing in promoting gambling to young audiences. The charity is also advocating for stricter guidelines on celebrity involvement in gambling advertisements and a greater focus on educating young people about gambling risks. Notably, GambleAware is set to cease operations by 2026 due to the introduction of a new mandatory gambling levy in Great Britain. In the interim, Anna Hargrave has been appointed as the transition CEO.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the California State Senate’s Appropriations Committee has advanced a bill aimed at banning online sweepstakes gaming. Known as Assembly Bill (AB) 831, it received unanimous approval with a 7-0 vote and now moves to the Senate floor for further deliberation. Authored by assemblymember Avelino Valencia, the bill seeks to outlaw sweepstakes games that employ a dual currency model. Violators of this proposed legislation could face misdemeanor charges, with penalties including up to one year in jail and fines ranging from $1,000 to $25,000.
Montana has already taken a similar step, becoming the first US state to ban online sweepstakes gambling, with the law set to take effect on October 1. This legislative activity reflects a growing trend in the United States towards tighter regulation of online gaming formats that have blurred the lines between gaming and gambling.
In Nevada, the gaming landscape is experiencing positive momentum as the Nevada Gaming Control Board reported a 3.99% increase in gaming revenue for July, totaling $1.36 billion. Clark County, home to the Las Vegas Strip, saw a 3.24% rise in revenues, with the Strip itself generating $749 million, marking a 5.6% increase. Washoe County also reported growth, with revenues reaching $102 million, up 7.4%. However, Elko County experienced a slight decrease of 0.8%. The state collected $95.5 million in percentage fees, which represents a minor decline of 0.38%.
Adding to the dynamic gaming environment, Boomer’s Sportsbook is set to open at Casino Fandango in Carson City on September 4, following successful launches in Elko, Las Vegas, and Henderson. These developments underscore the enduring appeal and economic significance of the gaming industry in Nevada, even as regulatory landscapes shift globally.
In the UK, the British Gambling Commission is poised to release its second Gambling Survey for Great Britain report, which is part of ongoing efforts to improve statistical practices following recommendations from the Office for Statistics Regulation. The commission recently convened its first GSGB Statistics User Group meeting, aiming to engage users and solicit input. Research by the London School of Economics and NatCen on the survey’s methodology will inform updated guidance.
The second annual report, based on 2024 data, is scheduled to be published on October 2, 2025, and will include supplementary reports focusing on frequent gamblers and individuals facing negative consequences from gambling. The raw data is expected to be archived in the UK Data Service in early 2026, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of gambling behaviors and their societal impacts.
Together, these stories highlight the ever-evolving regulatory and economic landscapes of the gambling industry, both in the UK and the United States. As governments and regulatory bodies continue to grapple with the complexities of gambling regulation, industry stakeholders and public health advocates are poised to play critical roles in shaping the future discourse.
