Stephanie Peacock, the Labour MP for Barnsley South, has been appointed parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). This appointment is significant as it paves the way for her to become the new gambling minister.
Her role will encompass managing changes outlined in the Gambling Act white paper. This document, published in April 2023, includes a multitude of proposals aimed at transforming gambling law in Great Britain. Some of these changes, such as a new ￡2 maximum stake for under 25s playing online slots, have already been implemented.
Peacock has previously shown support for these reforms. In her former role as the shadow minister for digital, culture, media and sport, she endorsed the gambling reforms outlined in the Conservative government’s April 2023 white paper. She declared these would be advanced “regardless” of the general election result.
The proposed measures in the white paper include stake limits and financial checks to ensure consumers do not suffer harmful losses, a statutory levy to be paid by certain operators directly to the Gambling Commission to fund research, education and treatment of gambling harms, and a new ombudsman to handle disputes and provide appropriate redress where a customer suffers losses due to operators’ social responsibility failure.
Given her past advocacy for these reforms, Peacock’s appointment is likely to hasten their implementation. This could result in significant changes in the gambling industry, with a stronger emphasis on consumer protection and responsible gambling. However, the specifics of these changes will depend on the decisions made by Peacock and her team in the upcoming months.
In a recent post, Peacock expressed her excitement about her new role, writing, “It is an honour to have been asked by the Prime Minister to serve in our new Labour Government. Can’t wait to get started in the DCMS with Lisa Nandy.”
Lisa Nandy, the MP for Wigan, was appointed as the first secretary of state for Culture, Media and Sport by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week. She will be charged with making decisions that will impact racing and gambling, determining the future of affordability checks and considering racing’s attempts to achieve levy reform.
With Peacock’s appointment and her proven track record as an advocate for British racing, the future of the sport looks promising. Her role in the DCMS will undoubtedly be one to watch as she navigates the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Advocate for British racing
Peacock’s brief in the department is yet to be defined, but her past roles provide a hint of what’s to come. She served as the shadow minister for Media, Gambling and Sport until last week’s general election, a role that saw her actively advocating for British racing. During a debate in October, she argued that “the future of racing must be protected for generations to come,” demonstrating her commitment to the sport.
Her advocacy didn’t stop at words. Peacock was among a number of MPs who visited Doncaster in 2023 as guests of the Arena Racing Company, furthering her connection with the racing industry.
In February, Peacock participated in a debate on affordability checks, a topic that has sparked concern not only within the racing and betting industry but also among the public. Tens of thousands of people signed a petition to end these checks, a movement that Peacock supported. She also spoke at the Betting and Gaming Council’s annual meeting the same month and backed the BGC’s Grand National charity bet campaign.
Peacock’s appointment comes at a time when the future of racing and gambling in the UK is under scrutiny. The decisions made by the DCMS will have a significant impact on these industries, and Peacock’s role will be crucial in shaping their future.
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