While gambling’s role in the world is often a hot topic of debate, COVID-19 has put the conversation on steroids, particularly in the U.K. Fresh off of her claimed victory over gambling ads, All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) chair Carolyn Harris joined the “Gambling in Society” panel on day 5 of the SBC Digital Summit, moderated by Alex Tomic, CEO of Alea, with panelists Tom Galanis, Managing Director of TAG Media, Erik Bergman, Founder of Great.com and Ivan Filletti, COO of Gaming Malta.

Right off the bat, Harris wanted to make clear that she is not a gambling prohibitionist. She believes it can have a role in society, so long as it does not prey on those who have addictions, or those who can’t afford it. Tomic accepted that introduction, but noted that it’s difficult at this point to define what affordability really means.

Meanwhile, Galanis was ready to defend the industry in his rebuttal. Referencing the highlighted problem gambling cases groups like the APPG point to, he noted that the industry can’t structure its business based on emotion, but only on hard data.

Harris, mindful of her audience, continued to insist that she didn’t want to eliminate gambling entirely. “If somebody has enjoyment and pleasure and can afford to gamble online, then they should be allowed to gamble online,” she said. The problem is when they go beyond their means, changing credit cards, and operators should have to look into that.