Giving local areas the power to tackle gambling harm

The Government’s plans to give councils and communities greater influence over their high streets, including decision making power over whether new betting shops can open in their area, are a much needed step in the right direction to putting our communities’ health and wellbeing above industry profits.

Proposals to remove the “Aim to Permit” rule, which currently limits councils ability to fully regulate betting shops and 24-hour slot machine shops opening in their area, from the Gambling Act, have been particularly welcomed by Directors of Public Health.

Across the UK, around 1.4 million people are experiencing gambling harm, with a further 1.6 million ‘at risk’ of experiencing harm.

Alison Challenger, ADPH spokesperson for Addiction and Director of Public Health for West Sussex County Council, said:

“The growing number of gambling shops in local areas, combined with widespread and aggressive marketing campaigns, has normalised gambling as part of people’s daily life. These proposals will allow local authorities, local residents, and planning committees – people who know their community best – to play a central role in deciding what shops and services can open in their local areas.

“To further prevent gambling harm, we must couple these crucial measures with introducing a gambling advertising, promotion, and sponsorship ban, alongside adopting a new Gambling Act based on core public health principles.

“As local leaders for health, Directors of Public Health have a key role in helping councils realise the benefits of these changes while providing strategic leadership on wider action to curb gambling harm. Their in-depth understanding of local communities, together with relationships that span planning, healthcare, and other local services, can help create healthier places where everyone has the freedom to live, work, and grow well.”