I welcome the new ban on credit card gambling.

The ban, which comes into force on April 14^th, follows a review of the industry by the Gambling Commission and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Gambling addictions ruin lives across the country, and the emergence of online gambling has sadly made it easier for vulnerable people to fall into a trap of gambling debt using credit cards. Indeed, research shows that 22% of online gamblers using credit cards are classed as problem gamblers.

The new ban on credit card gambling is hugely welcome, and I pay tribute to all the campaigners who pushed for the review which led to the ban, including my Welsh Labour colleague Carolyn Harris. However, this ban is not a solution to problem gambling in and of itself, and further reforms of the industry are much-needed. For example, we need to see improved regulation of advertising, and affordability checks on players to ensure that the most vulnerable people are safe from exploitation by gambling companies.

You can contact Newport Citizens Advice Bureau for support and advice on gambling intervention by ringing 01633 222622 to make an appointment.