PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Alternatives to affordability checks for gambling (20 November 2023)

That this House welcomes the proposal for an app entitled Bettor Help by the Gamblers Consumer Forum which would offer an alternative to affordability checks and a clinical-based solution towards tackling gambling harm; notes there is no body of evidence that suggests that intrusive affordability checks curb addiction; further notes the sparse research that suggests addiction can be characterised by financial loss; urges the Government to consider the impact of affordability checks on British horseracing, an industry woven into the iconic sporting tapestry of our country and an economic powerhouse for job opportunities; further urges the Government to consider the consequences of using non-clinical solutions in addiction-related regulation, such as minimal pricing for alcohol in Scotland which actually saw alcohol-related deaths surge, and to contrast that with the successes of clinical solutions like clinical group therapy; encourages Members to note that Dr Robert Lefever, a world-leading expert in addiction recovery who has treated over five thousand patients, contributed clinical screening questions to this proposal; and further encourages Members to note this app proposal has been overwhelmingly supported by 68% of the UK public following a poll conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Gamblers Consumer Forum.

Sponsored by:
Adam Afriyie (Conservative)