Review of harm caused by gambling addictions

In October 2019, Public Health England, as formerly known, produced its Gambling Related Harms (GRH) Evidence Review report, which identified that 24.5 million people in England gambled – 54 per cent of the adult population, or 40 per cent excluding the National Lottery.

The report identified that The National Lottery is the most common type of gambling across all age groups, except among younger people where scratch cards are more common.

In a report to the council’s residents, housing and communities scrutiny panel, health improvement officer Ryan Hollings said: “The review estimated that 0.5 per cent of the adult population has a problem with gambling, 3.8 per cent are gambling at ‘at-risk’ levels and 7 per cent are affected negatively by another person’s gambling.

“Subsequently, a Midlands GRH Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) was published in June 2021 to understand the scale of the issue across the Midlands. The report reflected on insights outlined in the evidence review as well as incorporating a regional focus.

“The council recognised GRH as a public health issue having undertaken the RNA. As part of the council’s financial wellbeing strategy, it recognised factors such as the economic downturn, cost of living crisis and the impact of Covid-19, alongside historically high levels of deprivation, must steer a renewed focus on debt, poverty and promoting financial wellbeing in Wolverhampton.

“Where people are identified as living with gambling harm, targeted services can offer treatment and recovery support across Wolverhampton. One of these is Aquarius Gambling Support who provide structured treatment to clients,” he added.

“Between 2019-22 a total of 70 people accessed treatment, with 74 per cent of those identified as male. This service is directly linked into the drug and alcohol treatment and recovery service – Recovery Near You – with Aquarius being one of the key providers.

“Comparing Wolverhampton to those that accessed treatment nationally – 26,411 (99.8 per cent), Wolverhampton residents make up between 0.2-0.3% per cent of people who accessed treatment during 2019-2022.

“There are other services available to Wolverhampton residents – Gamblers Anonymous meetings at the Good Shepherd and rehabilitation services can also be accessed through national support networks. Citizen’s Advice also offers support with debt management and advice to stop gambling,” said the report.

The council is due to discuss the report on Thursday.