Academics call for policy action on gambling laws
Academics are calling for changes in gambling laws to protect and support those with problems.
A report published today says more needs to be done to ensure the harm caused by addiction is lessened.
The paper, developed by researchers in Scotland, England, Wales and Australia, suggests taking action including the introduction of a tax in the industry.
Dr Heather Wardle, Assistant Professor at London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the lead author, said: “Gambling harms have been vastly underestimated.
“It is placing major burdens on resources, relationships and health.
“The time now is for action to reduce harms which is going to require a much more significant level of funding than is currently available.
We believe that a compulsory levy on the industry is the only way to achieve this.”
As it stands, there is no government-owned strategy for preventing gambling harm.
The researchers say there is a critical need to increase the level of funding available for prevention if harm is to be reduced.
It has been suggested that this could be achieved by introducing a tax on the gambling industry, which could fund additional support services and treatment for those with gambling problems.
Reducing the amount of marketing for online casinos has also been recommended, and it has been said that companies should take responsibility for addiction – rather than leaving it up to the individual affected.
According to the report, there are now 33 million active online gambling accounts in Britain.
It also points out that shockingly, 14% of children aged 11-16 will have gambled in the past week.
Professor Gerda Reith, the University of Glasgow’s Professor of Social Sciences and an author on the paper, said: “As a society we need to face up to the broad environment that gambling harm is produced in – the role of the industry, as well as the policy climate that they operate in.
“Gambling doesn’t just affect an individual.
“The impacts ripple out beyond them to their family, friends, communities and society.
“Not only does this have major implications for our health services but is also a social justice issue.”
