A gambling industry lobbyist has sparked astonishment among MPs after claiming that betting causes no social problems whatsoever during a tense parliamentary committee hearing.
"No evidence of harm" claim challenged
Grainne Hurst, representing the Betting and Gaming Council, made the controversial assertion that there was "no evidence" linking gambling to broader social issues, despite widespread concerns about addiction, debt and family breakdown.
The exchange occurred during a session examining the social impact of gambling, where MPs from across parties expressed disbelief at Hurst's position.
MPs push back on industry stance
Committee members challenged the lobbyist's claims, pointing to numerous studies and personal testimonies showing the devastating effects problem gambling can have on individuals and communities.
One MP described the assertion as "completely divorced from the reality" experienced by constituents, while another questioned how the industry could address problems it refused to acknowledge.
Growing pressure for reform
The confrontation comes amid increasing political momentum for tougher gambling regulations, with calls for:
- Stricter affordability checks
- Tighter controls on advertising
- Stronger player protection measures
- Independent research into gambling's social impact
The hearing highlighted the significant gap between industry perspectives and mounting evidence of gambling-related harm, setting the stage for potentially contentious legislative battles ahead.
