Speculation about the contents of the government’s gambling review white paper have mounted with reports claiming the government’s proposals included the introduction of affordability measures akin to more simple credit checks.

Renewed reports that gambling firms will be subject to a new levy to fund research, education and treatment (RET) services were met with guarded approval on Monday by industry body the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), which said such a system would need to recognise the higher costs faced by bricks-and-mortar operations.

The government launched its review into gambling regulation in December 2020 but the resulting white paper has been the subject of continued delays.