Pressure mounts on ministers to tackle gambling problems

Jun 30 2011 Advertisement Feature

The coalition government are being accused of not doing enough to address the issue of gambling addiction by the head of one of the worlds leading betting websites, BettingExpert.com.

The UK has roughly 250,000 problem gamblers, according to the latest Prevalence Study by the Gambling Commission. An additional 660,000 people are thought to be at moderate risk of developing a gambling problem.

While those who are battling addiction can seek expert guidance and support from organisations like GamCare, who specialise in counselling for the treatment and prevention of problem gambling, Jesper Soegaard feels that the NHS need to take a more hands-on approach to tackling and raising awareness of the problems associated with the betting industry. 

Soegaard, the chief executive of BettingExpert.com, said: "Organisations like GamCare do some great work to help identify problem gamblers and ensure they and their families receive the help and support they need to combat their addiction". 

"However, it is vital that the government shows that it is aware of the severity of the problem of gambling addiction in the UK by taking decisive action and being proactive in the provision of facilities to care for people and help them avoid the pitfalls of gambling addiction".

"So much of the care that gambling addicts have received over the years has had to come from their communities. It is time the government stood shoulder to shoulder with them and helped secure the future of a healthy gambling population and a healthy gambling industry".

The government came under fierce criticism this June after relaxing restrictions on the number of slot machines permitted in amusement arcades and bingo halls.

The Salvation Armys Gareth Wallace blasted in The Mirror:  "The government is sleepwalking into a rise in problem gambling. These changes will line the pockets of the gambling industry at the expense of those who can least afford it.

Soegaard adopts a slightly different position, though: "Despite what many people assume, betting companies do not want to see gambling addiction rise. On the contrary, the owners of casinos, sportsbook companies and bingo halls need their customers to be enjoying themselves in a healthy, non-destructive way the future of the gambling industry in the UK depends on it".

"Some venues may well be pleased to see the government lifting the restrictions on slot machines, particularly bingo halls, which have suffered greatly due to taxation and the smoking ban in the past five years".

"However, the government cannot continue to send out the kinds of messages that suggest the UK does not have a problem with gambling addiction. Parliament must also act to counter gambling addiction rates or face the prospect of widespread financial strife amongst the UK, not to mention a much more fragile gambling industry".