The gambling industry is big business in Britain today, but it is highly regulated. Often lumped in with other ‘vices’, it has a love/hate relationship with the state, which, whilst enjoying the tax revenues that it brings in, frequently tries to protect us from its ‘dangers’. The consequence of the policies this attitude breeds often results in the creation of state-sanctioned monopolies and effectively bars entry to smaller operators.

But is gambling something the state should protect us from? Can gambling be a social good in its own right and, anyway, is it not part of living in a free society that people can spend their money as they see fit?

Join us for a fascinating discussion where panellists will debate the benefits, and risks, of gambling and will discuss the way the state can best harness the powerful economic potential of the multitudes who like a bet.

Featuring:
Prof Chris Brady, Dean, BPP Business School (chair)
Mark Littlewood, Director-General, IEA
Andy McLellan, Chief Executive, GamCare
Neal Wilkins, Public Relations Manager, Apollo Bookmakers
Andrew Tottenham, Gambling Consultant and Chairman of The GREaT Foundation
and
Philip Davies, Conservative MP for Shipley and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Betting and Gaming Group
RSVP (acceptances only) using the form below or by email to iea@iea.org.uk or phone 020 7799 8900.

Over 18s only.