Who’d have thought that after nearly seven years of discussion, the Gambling Act Review would get quite this far from nowhere in its quest for legislation fit for the digital age. But, it could take even longer and get even worse.
Talking to The Mirror this week, Prime Minister in waiting Andy Burnham has nailed his colours to the mast: he’s an anti-gambling advocate.
In an article discussing local issues, obviously focusing on the Makerfield by-election, he stated: “It’s about giving more control over the high street. I’m a very big critic of adult gaming centres, you can see they’re open 24/7 and all the social harms that come from that. Again, councils need stronger control to stop the spread of those things.”
Pledging an attack on vape shops, the Mirror reported: “Mr Burnham wants to roll out a policing blitz, modelled on Greater Manchester Police’s Operation Vulcan, which included targeted raids on hotspot areas for dodgy shops.”
While he is championing hospitality’s call for business rates reductions, which will be widely welcomed by the industry, Burnham was talking local, but his head is clearly national as he fashions out what seems to many to be a personal coup for Number 10 Downing Street.
And after an AGC bashing in Makerfield, it’s the Westminster leadership election that will concern the industry most.
Originally published on Coinslot on June 15, 2026. Republished with permission.