The Strategic Director Place will submit a report (Document “A”) which asks Members to consider the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling related harm within the district and development of the Council’s approach to problem gambling.

Recommended –

The views of the Committee on the options set out in Section 4 of this report are requested. 

(Tracy McLuckie – 01274 432240)

The Strategic Director Place submitted a report (Document “A”) which asked Members to consider the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling related harm within the district and development of the Council’s approach to problem gambling.

The Licensing and Local Land Charges Manager gave a brief overview of the current gambling regulations, the provision of gambling premises in the district and an understanding of the issue of problem gambling, drawing attention to the Gambling Commissions’ Participation Survey which showed that the rate of problem gambling across the country was 0.7%.  The Leeds Beckett University study into problem gambling was also alluded to, which found higher rates of problem gambling occur in more northern areas, major urban areas and those living in wards classified as industrial, traditional, manufacturing, prosperous and multi-cultural. 

It was also stated that locally, figures suggested that approximately between` 2500 and 7000 people in Bradford would be classed as problem gamblers. Current treatment provision and tackling gambling related harm was also alluded to.

A representative from an organisation which campaigns to highlight the dangers of problem gambling – “Gambling with Lives” was present at the meeting to talk about the work of the organisation and how he had lost his own son through problem gambling.  During his presentation he alluded to the following:

How problem gambling had affected his families life and ultimately the life of his own son, stating that his son was an ordinary 17 year old when he became involved in gambling, adding that the industry is set up to exploit individuals and will not take responsibility for the misery a gambling addiction can reek.

That many involved in problem gambling were young adult males and that the journey into addiction was normally very rapid, and although gambling patterns and habits varied, they were failed by treatment services.

That gambling addicts were 3-4 times more likely to take their own life compared to other addicts, with Fixed Odds Betting Terminals and casino style games being particularly addictive forms of gambling.

That Gambling with Lives had a 10 point plan to tackle this problem including limiting to the stake on Fixed Odds betting; enforce a statutory levy on the gambling industry to fund research, education and treatment; end illegal underage gambling and ban gambling advertising.

During the discussion a Member stated that an industry representative should have been invited to the meeting today to provide their perspective and respond to questions.

A Councillor who was observing and was campaigner on the issue of problem gambling thanked the representative from Gambling with Lives for giving a candid insight into problem gambling, and he stressed that the impact on young people was very pertinent and that the industry had to start taking responsibility for the issue and not just treat people as pound signs, with the availability of treatment being at the forefront.

A Councillor stressed that the online gambling arena was a particular potent aspect of the industry and where problem gambling was prevalent on a much larger scale than the traditional high street activity, and he urged that education was key to try and curb this growing threat.

A Member stated that in her experience betting shops encouraged problem gambling by offering incentives and promotions to customers.

A Member stated that the bottom line for the industry was to make money  and if we could do something locally as a Council such as undertake spot checks to identify and address underage gamblers using betting shops and buying scratch cards, this in turn could have a tangible impact.

Members highlighted that a broader debate needed to be had with the industry on the issue of problem gambling.

Following the discussion Members agreed that a number of areas needed to be looked at in relation to problem gambling and it was therefore:

Resolved –

(1)       That a local area profile be developed to identify areas of greater           or specific risks of gambling related harm in the district.

(2)       For the Council and Partner organisations to take part in activities        to raise awareness of problem gambling as part of responsible       gambling week in November, including the possibility of a     conference on problem gambling, and planned activities be        brought back to this Committee prior to the gambling week in        November.

(3)       That this Committee requests that the Chief Executive to write to          the Secretary of State for the Department of Culture, Media and       Sport and to the Chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group on      problem gambling to request the following:

(i)            Additional powers that mean local authorities can prevent excessive clustering of betting shops and amusement arcades.

(ii)          The introduction of a 1% levy on industry gross profits to pay for much needed research, education and treatment.

(4)       That this Committee requests that representatives from the         gambling industry be invited to a future meeting of this            Committee.

(5)       That Bradford Council officers undertake “spot checks” in betting       shops and access to scratch cards across the district in relation   to under age gambling.

(6)       That this Committee requests that education awareness be        undertaken in schools, explaining the dangers of gambling to            young people.

(7)       That a report be presented to this Committee which focuses on             the treatment services that are available across the district.

(8)       That a further progress report be brought back to this Committee         which also includes progress in relation to the above           recommendations.

ACTION:       Strategic Director Place / Chief Executive