Methodist Church welcomes International Summit on Online Gambling

Speaking in advance of tomorrow's International Summit on OnlineGambling, hosted by the Department for Culture Media and Sport,Anthea Cox, Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and SocialJustice, said;

"The Methodist Church welcomes the Government's initiative inseeking international agreement on the regulation ofe-gambling.

"Research shows that repetitive and continuous play is asignificant factor in people becoming problem gamblers. This is afeature of on-line gambling and with increasing numbers of peopleplaying, it is important that these sites should be regulated toprotect people from harm and exploitation.

"We welcome the opportunity that the summit conference offers forsharing best practice and agreeing principles for regulation toprotect consumers. International meetings are an important way toset up safeguards for online gamblers. Countries must work togetheras online gambling is not confined to national borders - this is aworldwide issue that demands global attention andco-operation.

"The Methodist Church remains committed to speaking out to protectchildren and vulnerable groups from being exploited by gambling, topromote greater education about problem gambling, and to helpindividuals and organisations working with problem gamblers."