In a recent development, Knowsley council has unveiled their plans to launch gambling heat maps to pinpoint areas where problem gambling is more prevalent among the population. Each local authority is required to reassess its gambling policy every three years. Councillor Shelley Powell, Knowsley Councils Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods presented the report.

Significant addition to the existing policy

Cllr Powell said “One significant and important change to the existing policy is the addition of a gambling heat map. “This is intended to help the council and partners assess the existing profile of an area as we add more information, such as public health data.

“The heat map will be used to identify local areas where there is a greater concentration of people who may be vulnerable to gambling harm. These areas will be given special attention with resources targeted to assist individuals who have gambling problems.”

The council report emphasises that age, deprivation, educational achievement, gender, and ethnicity all play a role in influencing gambling rates and the harm it can cause. Consequently, the purpose of an area profile is to create a detailed overview of the community and its demographic makeup.

High levels of deprivation

Knowsley, a borough in Merseyside, shows comparable gambling harm rates to the rest of the country, but with distinct risk factors linked to deprivation levels. For instance, research has consistently shown that those who are unemployed or economically inactive are more susceptible to problem gambling. This is noteworthy in Knowsley, where the percentage of unemployed or economically inactive individuals (24.3%) is higher than the national average in England (20.5%).

Current headlines about the failures of self regulation for the industry, which has led to a rise in problem gambling, have dominated the recent news headlines in the UK. Amendments to a government white paper to reform the UK Gambling Act 2005 are a step forward and will be implemented by February 2025.

Shock reports about the alarming scale of illegal, unregulated betting in the UK highlight growing problems with current regulations. A recent report by a team from Bristol University highlighted the increasing number of adverts in media coverage for the opening weekend of the English Premier League.

Innovative idea to reduce problem gambling

The heat map is a strategic tool designed to reduce the negative consequences of gambling in the Knowsley area. By identifying specific areas and operators that are causing concern it enables early intervention measures to be put in place. This proactive approach helps to prevent and mitigate the harmful effects of gambling, ensuring the well-being of individuals and the entire community. However, the counterargument is that the heat map approach may not be effective in addressing the root causes of gambling addiction. Identifying specific areas and operators does not address the underlying factors that drive individuals to engage in excessive gambling. Critics argue that early intervention measures may only provide temporary relief and may not address the long-term consequences. There is also a concern that focusing solely on reducing negative consequences may overlook the potential benefits of responsible gambling, such as revenue generation for local economies. Therefore, it is important to consider alternative approaches that address the complex nature of gambling addiction while also promoting responsible practices. To effectively address addiction and encourage responsible gambling, it is necessary to explore alternative approaches, and the heat map is an innovative initiative that can contribute to this goal.

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