Wolverhampton rolls out four-year gambling harm reduction plan

Wolverhampton Council has opened a public consultation to inform its Gambling Harm Reduction Strategy, as local governments across the country continue to confront the gambling industry.

With the opportunity to comment open until 20 March, the consultation aims to address what the Council sees as the “increasing harmful impact” of online betting, gaming platforms and targeted advertising.

Local policymakers have reported that 5.3% of Wolverhampton’s population is currently at risk of gambling-related harm, while 1.2% exhibit signs of already being affected by problem gambling.

Furthermore, the Council reports that between 2019 and 2022 only 70 locals sought gambling support through the local treatment specialist Aquaris. No data was provided about the use of the national helpline GambleAware, however.

Wolverhampton Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “Gambling harm is a real and growing issue that affects individuals, families and comm..