Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Forsyth of Drumlean (Conservative). It was answered on Tuesday, 29 November 2005.

Internet Gambling: Age Verification

Question: My Lords, I seem to recall that when I was a Minister in the Home Office it was not possible to use a credit card to settle a gambling debt. Was it not this Government who liberalised that, and is it not a bit strange that a Government who keep telling us how concerned they are about the exposure of young people to gambling and alcohol have chosen at the same time to liberalise the legislation which has protected them?

Answer: My Lords, it might also seem a little strange to be challenged on liberalisation from the particular source of the noble Lord, Lord Forsyth. I emphasise that the Gambling Act ensures that the industry meets the requirements of the legislation with regard to its operations. As I indicated, the industry is all too well aware of its responsibilities in this area. There is a particular problem about young people getting access to credit through false identification or because, as my noble friend indicated, now and again credit cards are misdirected to juniors. But it is for the gambling organisations to carry out the verification and some very robust systems are in place.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 676 c102
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Children Banks Credit cards Gambling Internet Proof of identity Young people Debit cards Age assurance
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk