The three-year scheme aims to address and prevent problem gambling in Yorkshire and the Humber through education, support, and treatment. This initiative aligns with the National Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms and has received funding through regulatory settlements.
The project has been welcomed by the Gambling Commission, as it represents a well-coordinated and comprehensive public health approach to tackling gambling harms. The initiative will focus on providing individuals affected by problem gambling with the necessary tools and resources.
A recent survey conducted by the Commission revealed that many gamblers have limited knowledge about the available safer gambling tools. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic has had an impact on people’s gambling behaviors, resulting in an increase in suspicious activity reports.
The Yorkshire & Humber harmful gambling working group, led by Greg Fell, aims to develop a gold standard program that can be replicated across the UK. The initiative’s focus will particularly be on high deprivation areas and low-income workers who are disproportionately affected by gambling-related issues.
