



(Title Image: BBC Wales)

Time for another short debate as it’s been a while. This time it was on the subject of problem gambling – a topic that’s been brought up several times by AMs and comes into focus as Christmas approaches with families likely to be under more financial strain than usual.

See also: State of Wales – Vice Nation: Gambling

Proponent: Jayne Bryant AM (Lab, Newport West)

Subject: “Wales’s invisible problem – the social impact of gambling.”

Summary

The Children’s Society estimate that 43% of families will borrow money to pay for Christmas.

It’s now widely accepted that problem gambling can become a disorder like drug/alcohol addiction, while fixed-odds betting terminals are described as “the crack cocaine of gambling”.

Gambling debts are sometimes built up secretly without the family’s knowledge.

A University of South Wales report ( pdf ) has provided a snap-shot of problem gambling in Wales which has previously endured a lack of data. It revealed problem gambling is much higher than previously thought.

There’s a “worrying density” of betting shops and amusement arcades on Welsh high streets.

Mick Antoniw AM ( Lab , Pontypridd): The gambling industry is now lobbying in the same manner as the tobacco industry once did/does.

Lab , Vale of Glamorgan): Concerned about how aggressive advertising might affect older age groups as they go online in greater numbers. Jane Hutt AM (, Vale of Glamorgan): Concerned about how aggressive advertising might affect older age groups as they go online in greater numbers.

Government Response

Health Secretary, Vaughan Gething (Lab, Cardiff S. & Penarth)

Prevalence of problem gambling is relatively low but the health and social impacts are significant.

Online gambling is a particular concern because of its easy access with fewer restrictions.

From next year Wales will have devolved powers over licensing new fixed-odds betting machines which offer stakes of £10 or more; these limits in powers are disappointing.

The UK Government are consulting on whether to cut fixed-odds betting stakes to £2; the Welsh Government are considering changing planning rules to prevent over-concentration of betting shops.

Problem gambling will be included in the next Chief Medical Officer’s annual report.

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