Churches highlight new evidence on problem gambling

An alliance of nine UK Christian organisations is calling upon the Government to heed evidence published on Monday that undermines Government proposals to double the stake and the prize money for pub gambling machines.

If the proposals receive the green light, the levels of prize money available to casual gamblers will increase for the first time ever to above the level of weekly benefits.

Their campaign, “Fruitless”, is urging the Government to rethink the plans. The groups claim that the Government is in danger of breaking its commitment to base gambling policy on evidence and to use regulation to minimise problem gambling.

Two reports published by the Gambling Commission offered substantial evidence that problem gambling is more prevalent in areas of social deprivation and amongst those who drink heavily or have poor health.

This indicates that the proposals, which increase the potential for people to lose money in pub gaming machines, will hit the most vulnerable hardest.

The proposals have been criticised by faith groups and academics who say that the Government has been unable to produce positive evidence to support the move.

David Bradwell, Public Issues Policy Adviser for the Methodist Church, said, “In the light of the current economic situation and the growing body of evidence it would be irresponsible to increase the stake and prize money for pub gambling machines. We only have to look at the Australian experience to see the potential a poorly regulated gambling industry has to create social problems.

“At this time of over 2 million unemployed and many families facing a difficult financial future it cannot be right to encourage increased gambling amongst the most vulnerable in our society.”