A Glasgow councillor has urged the UK Government to ensure equitable distribution of funds generated by the newly proposed mandatory gambling levy, which aims to raise £100 million annually to combat gambling-related harms. The levy, set to replace the current voluntary system, will fund research, prevention, and treatment programs across the UK.
Glasgow, with the highest number of bookmakers outside London, faces significant challenges related to gambling harms, particularly in its most deprived areas like Shettleston. National data suggests that approximately 45,000 residents (one in 15) may have a gambling problem, underscoring the need for targeted intervention.
Councillor Laura Doherty, Glasgow’s gambling harms lead, welcomed the levy as a positive step but called for clarity on how the funds will be allocated, particularly in Scotland. She emphasized the importance of proportionate and fair funding to ensure that communities most affected by gambling harms benefit from the levy.
“Glasgow’s track record of a whole systems approach involving researchers, stakeholders, and people with lived experience sets it apart,” said Doherty. She proposed that Glasgow, with its unique expertise, be positioned as a UK centre of excellence for addressing gambling harms, leveraging funds to advance research, education, and treatment.
Half of the levy is earmarked for treatment, but Doherty highlighted the need for specifics on how this will be implemented in Scotland. She urged the UK Treasury to design funding mechanisms that directly address gambling-related harms in communities disproportionately affected by poverty and addiction.
The statutory levy seeks to rectify shortcomings of the current voluntary system, where contributions from gambling operators vary widely, with some paying as little as £1 annually. By mandating contributions from all operators, the levy aims to ensure consistent and adequate funding to tackle gambling harms effectively.
Glasgow’s call for targeted investment reflects the broader challenge of addressing gambling issues in areas where deprivation exacerbates harm, emphasizing the importance of strategic funding to create meaningful, localized solutions.