Hemel Hempstead MP, Sir Mike Penning, has today welcomed the announcement that after 14th April this year it will not be possible to gamble with a credit card.

He said:
“This is something I have long campaigned for and I am absolutely delighted. It has always seemed completely irresponsible that people have been able to gamble with money they do not have.”

“I am not a killjoy, I enjoy an occasional flutter on the Grand National as much as anyone else, but gambling addiction is a serious matter and devastates the lives of those affected and their families.”

“I have had constituents contact me who are their wits end and facing substantial losses and even financial ruin. It is very distressing and frightening for those involved.”

Sir Mike added:
“Whilst this is welcome, I would like to see the Government go further. I am very concerned about excessive advertising on TV during sport, the advertising of ‘free bets’ and the accessibility of ATM machines in casinos.”

In April 2018, Sir Mike tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons:

EARLY DAY MOTION 1188: GAMBLING AND CREDIT CARDS

That this House calls on the Government to implement a total ban on the use of credit cards for all forms of gambling, online gambling in particular; further calls on the Government to understand that gambling in all its forms can destroy the lives of the people addicted to it and have a huge impact on their family and those close to them; and notes that credit encourages people to gamble with money they do not have.