Majority of Brits unhappy at gambling industry regulations and 14.5 million know a problem gambler

A majority of British people feel the gambling industry is not doing enough to help care for problem gamblers, new research commissioned by the Christian social policy charity CARE has revealed.

CARE (Christian Action Research and Education) has published research by the polling company ComRes showing that 66 per cent of men (and 61 per cent of men and women) are unhappy with the current arrangement in which the government encourages the gambling industry to make voluntary contributions to help care for problem gamblers.

 Pixabay

Some 66 per cent of men told the ComRes poll that the level of contribution should be increased and that it should be made compulsory. The total value of such contributions last year was just £8 million – 0.06 per cent of Gross Gambling Yield.

Meanwhile, 63 per cent of people polled stated that gambling is now a significant issue in Britain today, while only 15 per cent believe it not to be a significant issue.

The poll also revealed that 14.5 million people – almost 10 per cent of the population – know someone personally with a gambling problem.

This week, the government's latest consultation on gambling closed, with mounting pressure from charities and MPs for action to be taken by the government to address problem gambling.

CARE submitted the polling data as part of its consultation response, calling on the government to take note that a clear majority of the public support proposals for the gambling industry to be required to pay more money to support problem gamblers.

CARE's chief executive, Nola Leach, said: 'It's abundantly clear that the damaging effects of problem gambling have become visible across society, with the majority of people across Britain today recognising the harm it causes and a significant proportion knowing someone directly affected. This is a real issue of public concern.

'The government has a real opportunity now to introduce better and more robust protections and to care for those whose lives have been negatively impacted by gambling. This poll shows that majority of the public would support such action.

'The Government of course already has the power to demand that the gambling industry pays significantly more to help those affected by problem gambling – just using the regulation making powers given ministers by Section 123 of the Gambling Act 2005.

'It is astounding that no minister has used this power in thirteen years despite the rise of problem gambling and the devastating impact its having in our communities. Action is long overdue.'

ComRes interviewed 2,036 British adults online between 19th and 21st January 2018.

News
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide
Christians redouble efforts to stop assisted suicide

Christians are doubling down on efforts to stop assisted suicide becoming legal in England and Wales after Kim Leadbeater's bill was debated in Westminster on Friday. 

Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign
Christian leaders unite in Westminster to kick off 2025 ‘Shine Your Light’ evangelism campaign

More than 100 Christian leaders recently came together at a parliamentary reception in London for the launch of Shine Your Light 2025 — a bold evangelistic initiative aiming to bring the message of Christ to streets, neighbourhoods, and marketplaces across the UK.

Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling
Darlington nurses still waiting for single-sex changing space despite Supreme Court ruling

An NHS trust has been accused of continually flouting the law around women’s rights by requiring female nurses to get changed in front of a biologically male nurse who goes by the name of “Rose”. 

CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017
CofE mission funding has brought in 37,000 people since 2017

The Church of England is happy with the progress being made by strategic mission and ministry investments.