Agenda item

Neha Lamech and Rebecca Fletcher presented the report on Gambling Harms in Oldham, noting that it was designed to map through the impact of gambling within the borough.

The legislative and commercial contexts were outlined, and it was noted that in 2024, profits for Gambling in the UK were £15.6billion. It was noted that the harms associated with gambling were not just financial, but also mental health, crime and issues with relationships.

The prevalence of gambling was discussed and it was noted that there were greater levels of harm in areas of deprivation. It was noted that much of the data reported was likely to be an undercount due to stigma around gambling. However, it was noted that 11 percent of children and young people aged 11-16 participate in gambling. It was noted that gambling harms cost £80million to Greater Manchester in 2022.

It was highlighted that the work in Oldham was at the starting point, and the Council was working with the GMCA and partners within the borough, particularly through the Oldham Gambling Alliance. Information was also available online through support pages to help those with gambling issues.

It was highlighted that some of the key barriers to support were stigma and not knowing where to seek help, and it was noted that good support should be non-judgemental, anonymous and informed.

Members highlighted the significant number of children, and the fact that 85 percent of gamblers said they needed or wanted to make more money. Members noted the need to involve partners such as the police and schools within the Gambling harms process, and that any campaign needed to focus on the reasons for and consequences of gambling. It was also suggested that the council lobby government to change the planning rules around betting shops.

Members noted that gambling was a real problem being seen by partners, and raised the possibility that gambling should be seen like alcohol and smoking, with screening questions. Educational and promotional work on the harms of gambling were also discussed.

Members highlighted the need for Oldham specific context, highlighting that within the South East Asian community, gambling can come to light only at the extremes (Family breakdown etc), and that gambling is not focussed on as the problem. Members also noted that the message needs to be broad, given the prevalence of gambling advertising on TV and during sports, for example.

Members noted the wider problems around gambling, for example theft to pay for gambling addiction, illegal money lending etc. Members also noted that the gambling harms work was helpful for awareness, highlighting that it is not just a financial issue. It was suggested that work could be done to help partners spot issue and signpost people to the most suitable help.

Members queried the expectations of the strategy, noting the need for information sharing and turning it into actionable intelligence.

Rebecca Fletcher noted that the action plan would be brought back to a future meeting of the board as a focus.

RESOLVED: To note the report and the recommedations.