Councils call for powers over gambling premises

The Local Government Association and Association of Police and Crime Commissioners are calling for tougher powers for councils to determine where and how many gambling premises can open in their areas.

The two organisations say that the government must toughen up regulations on the gambling industry to help protect communities and vulnerable people from gambling-related harm. Alongside tougher powers for councils to determine where and how many gambling premises can open in their areas, the LGA and the PCCs say that a crackdown on the current volume of gambling advertising and marketing is also needed.

Evidence shows that gambling and betting premises are typically located in more deprived areas, where residents may be more vulnerable to issues stemming from gambling and betting. However, councils currently have limited powers to prevent the opening of a gambling premises even if there are already others nearby or there are reasons why it may not be an appropriate location, for example because there are supported housing, treatment centres or schools in close proximity.

Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, said: “Councils are not anti-gambling, but it is time we have a regulatory framework for gambling that above all else prioritises protecting vulnerable people from gambling-related harm and gives powers to local communities.

“The government should take steps to reduce the volume of advertising and marketing offers that are routinely made available via television and online.

“The review is a golden opportunity for the Government to implement further measures that empower local communities and their elected representatives to determine what and how many gambling premises they have in their local areas. It is unacceptable that councils have such limited powers to refuse applications for new premises.”