MS calls for ‘urgent’ inquiry into gambling crisis in Wales

The Senedd has been urged to investigate the “human cost” of gambling addiction in Wales.

Jane Dodds, who is the Chair of the Cross Party Group on Gambling Related Harm, warned the Health and Social Care Committee that almost 20 per cent of gambling premises are concentrated in the country’s most deprived areas. And unlike England, there are no dedicated NHS gambling clinics in Wales.

In a letter to Committee Chair Russell George MS, she called for an inquiry into the “deeply concerning picture” of betting’s impact on public health services, especially in light of the UK Government’s recent measures to tackle the damage.

‘Stark’

Dodds emphasised: “The human cost is stark – new data from the Gambling Commission indicates gambling addiction now affects 2.5% of the population of Great Britain, eight times higher than previously thought, with clear links to suicide and mental health issues.”

The MS raised concern over the “effectiveness of gambling education and prevention, particularly given that 27% of young people aged 11-17 have gambled using their own money in the past year, with reported impacts on sleep, school attendance, and academic performance”.

She urged the Committee to review the “urgent need for dedicated NHS gambling treatment services in Wales, including assessment of potential locations and required funding models”, in addition to an examination of current support services.

Family

In 2023, a teacher from South Wales revealed how he nearly lost his family after gambling away tens of thousands of pounds.

Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s Desperate Calls, Matthew, not his real name, said he still owed at least £70,000 after regularly staking his salary, while lying to his family and feeling too ashamed to even look at his children.

Now a recovering gambling addict, he used the records of his phone calls to William Hill to expose the lack of gambling regulation, especially online.

Also see:

Veterans charity manager defrauds £68k to fund gambling addiction

Govt urged to tackle gambling ads to protect ‘millions from harm’

From 50p bet to £250k in gambling losses

Related Resources