To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will strengthen regulations governing internet poker. (81457)

Yes. The Gambling Act 2005 will regulate British-based internet gaming operators for the first time.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will discuss with Ofcom increased regulation of the sponsorship of television programmes by gambling companies. (81458)

In relation to broadcasting, Parliament has given Ofcom the duty of setting standards for the sponsorship of radio and television programmes.

Under the Gambling Act 2005 Ofcom will continue to set, review and revise standards for the sponsoring of television programmes by gambling operators. I understand that Ofcom, the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice and the Gambling Commission are in discussion about the future regulation of this area to ensure consistent and appropriate standards across media.

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport if she will discuss with the banking industry possible measures to tackle misuse of credit and debit cards by underage people on internet gambling websites. (81459)

While the final responsibility for age verification rests with the online gambling industry, Ministers and officials have met several times with international financial institutions to discuss these issues. We will build on, and develop, these relationships to inform our international summit on remote gambling to explore the development of international standards on social responsibility.

We are also supportive of the efforts that the industry is making to engage the banking sector.