Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being prompted to share their experiences of betting and what issues it can trigger as a council seeks to protect vulnerable homeowners.


Two consultations have actually been started by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for adults and the other for children and youths.


Evidence recommended 1.2% of the city's population satisfied the criteria to be described as problem bettors, more than double the national average, a representative said.


The experiences people share will go into lowering the damage from the concern, they included.


Harms might of financial hardship, relationship breakdown and psychological health issues, the spokesperson stated.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton homeowners looked for help from the charity Aquarius, which supports people affected by gambling.


But the council representative stated they estimated 8,570 people might have taken advantage of the group's support.


Signs that someone might have a problem with betting consist of feelings of stress and anxiety or tension around their gambling routine, wagering more than they can manage to lose, and gambling ever larger quantities of money to feel the very same "high" as previously.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed stated the authority wanted their strategy to be formed by real experiences and "grounded in what our neighborhoods inform us they require".


"Your voice matters - whether you have been personally impacted, understand somebody who has, or simply wish to add to a more secure, healthier city," she included, with a due date for remarks by 20 March.


Research from the annual national Young People and Gambling Survey 2025 revealed a notable rise in betting participation among 11 to 17 years of age, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own money on gaming in the previous year, up from 27% in 2024.


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