A local politician has called on the UK Government to tackle the damaging impact of gambling after a new report found the number of children with gambling related harm has quadrupled to more than 50,000 in the last two years.
Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, who is Chair of the APPG on Scottish Sport, said UK ministers had not taken the threat of problem gambling seriously enough, and had repeatedly failed to take the swift action needed – as seen with the U-turns and delays over tackling highly-addictive Fixed Odds Betting Terminals.
Last night, the SNP in Westminster secured a successful amendment to the Finance Bill requiring the UK government to undertake a review of the public health effects of gambling terminals – and the party has called for the UK government to implement a joined-up strategy to tackle the rising threat of problem gambling across society.
Gavin Newlands, said: “Problem gambling devastates lives, and it is an issue that is growing every day. The Tories haven’t taken this issue seriously enough, and have routinely ignored cross party criticisms and calls to action.
“The number of children between the ages of 11-16 who have gambled has increased dramatically in the last few years, usually using machines, including FOBTs. Addictive gambling machines are scourge on our communities and affect thousands of families.
“The UK Government should begin a review of the impact of gambling on public-health and take decisive action against addictive and exploitative gambling, instead of doing just as the bookmaker’s wish.”