Glasgow Advocates for Fair Distribution of Mandatory Gambling Levy
The introduction of a mandatory gambling levy by the UK Government has raised questions about how the funds will benefit local communities, particularly in Glasgow, where gambling-related harms are most severe.
Gambling-Related Challenges in Glasgow
With the highest number of bookmakers outside of London, Glasgow faces significant issues linked to gambling.
National figures estimate that around one in 15 residents (approximately 45,000 people) may experience gambling problems, with the impact most acute in deprived areas like Shettleston.
Mandatory Levy and Its Purpose
The statutory levy, set to generate £100 million annually, aims to fund research, prevention, and treatment of gambling harms.
This replaces the inconsistent voluntary contributions by gambling operators, ensuring all contribute fairly to address the issue.
Calls for Equitable Allocation in Scotland
Councillor Laura Doherty, Glasgow’s gambling harms lead, welcomed the levy but stressed the need for clarity on how funds will be distributed, particularly in Scotland.
“We must see equitable funding come directly to Scotland and Glasgow in order to fund treatment and support its work on addressing gambling harms,” Doherty stated.
She urged the UK Treasury to design funding mechanisms that are proportionate and invest in communities most affected by gambling.
“The UK Treasury must design and deliver funding that is proportionate and fair and invests in those local communities where there is a proliferation of ‘environmental bads’ such as gambling fuelled by poverty and its harms addressed,” she added.
Glasgow’s Leadership in Tackling Gambling Harms
Doherty highlighted Glasgow’s expertise and collaborative approach in addressing gambling-related issues, proposing the city as the ideal location for a UK centre of excellence in this field.
“Glasgow’s track record of a whole systems approach involving researchers, stakeholders and people with lived experience sets it apart, and due to this, Glasgow is best positioned as a city to develop a UK centre of excellence in addressing gambling harms, to fund research, education and treatment of gambling harms as outlined in the announcement,” she concluded.
The focus now shifts to ensuring that the levy delivers tangible benefits for communities like Glasgow, which bear the brunt of gambling-related harms.
