Concerns about under-age gambling are spreading in the UK. The last meeting of the Telford & Wrekin Council saw some questions being raised in terms of possible measures that could be taken by the borough to reduce the number of children who participate in gambling activities.
The concerns have been shared after the council unanimously gave the green light to the licensing policy following a three-year review.
Chris Turley, who heads the licensing committee of the Telford & Wrekin Council, revealed that there was a statutory requirement that the council’s statement regarding the gambling licensing policy has to see a review carried out every three years. Mr. Turley further explained that a 12-week consultation was carried out, with one response on the matter being made by GamCare.
The gambling licensing policy consultation ran from June to September 2018. Now, after it got approval by the Council, it is set to be published on January 3rd, 2019 and will come into force on January 31st, 2019.
Today we have published our new report on children and gambling trends. Find out more here: https://t.co/CxKqGLca9M pic.twitter.com/UdIhobpYr9
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 21, 2018
Bill Tomlinson, a Liberal Democrat Councillor who backed the gambling policy, explained that he also shares the spreading concerns regarding the increasing number of children involved in gambling activities and getting hooked on them. Mr. Tomlinson said that all major parties were to be blamed for the situation, because they literally allow that to happen, simply thinking that most people are capable of dealing with it.
UKGC Reports of Increased Under-Age Problem Gambling Rates
The discussions regarding the measures regarding under-aged users’ involvement in gambling come after the UK Gambling Commission announced that the number of children between 11 and 16 years of age who are categorised as problem gamblers has risen to 55,000.
Tory councillor Veronica Fletcher confirmed there were young people who were gambling in public houses across the entire country. Ms. Fletcher shared her belief that there are mechanisms of authorities to intervene in cases of under-age gambling, but also reminded that so-called spot checks need to be carried out and reports must be made before regulators and other competent authorities take the necessary measures.
She further said she was concerned that under-age gambling is happening across the UK and Telford does not make an exclusion.
Our new report on children and gambling trends has revealed that 12% of 11-16 year olds follow gambling companies on social media. Follow the link to read more: https://t.co/CxKqGLca9M pic.twitter.com/oTqioxk4zo
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 22, 2018
As Casino Guardian already reported, apart from the 55,000 children between 11 and 16 years who are described as problem gamblers, a further 70,000 youngsters are currently at risk of becoming addicted to gambling. According to data provided by the most recent report of the major gambling regulator in the UK, about 450,000 children participate in gambling activities on a regular basis.
Our new report on children and gambling trends has revealed that 6% of 11-16 year olds have gambled online using a parent or guardian’s account. Click the link to find out more: https://t.co/CxKqGLca9M pic.twitter.com/50kn3cR1dh
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 22, 2018
As the audit carried out by the UKGC showed, such children spend an average of £16 on different forms of gambling, of which bingo, fruit machines, online gambling and betting in high-street betting shops being the most-preferred ones.
- Author
Daniel Williams
