Research Findings: 20% of gambling establishments in the UK

Kabir903

According to research from the University of Bristol, the probability of having betting shops in impoverished towns is ten times higher than in affluent areas. Currently, the regions with the highest number of betting shops are Glasgow, Liverpool, London, and Middlesbrough.

The Standard Life Foundation, supporting the mentioned study, indicates that despite a continuous decline in the number of betting shops in recent years, the total still surpasses those operated by eight major supermarket chains. The research emphasizes that the facilities available to residents in impoverished areas are disproportionately fewer on high streets compared to affluent areas. For example, only 10% of food stores are located in the most impoverished areas, whereas these areas have 34% of entertainment venues, 30% of bingo halls, and 29% of adult casinos. In contrast, affluent towns have a more even distribution of services such as municipal libraries and supermarkets.

Furthermore, half of the UK's gambling treatment centers are located within a 5-minute walk of the nearest gambling venue, and nearly 10% of schools within a 5-minute walk have gambling facilities, affecting over 74,000 students across 2,000 schools.

The founders of the charity Gambling with Lives, the Ritchie family, dedicated themselves to assisting the families and friends of gambling addiction victims after their son took his own life in 2017. The organization notes that at least 500 young people take their lives each year due to gambling addiction. Predatory gambling companies target the poor and the young, with at least one person choosing to end their life every day. Currently, local communities have little say in opposing the planning of gambling establishments. These communities have reached out to the organization, expressing their reluctance to have gambling venues nearby. The group advocates for local authorities and districts to be given greater power in decisions regarding gambling licenses, especially when such establishments are near schools and places frequented by young people.

A spokesperson for the Betting and Gaming Council emphasizes that gambling establishments provide a significant economic contribution to the UK. The council's members support 119,000 jobs, contribute £4.5 billion in taxes, and provide essential public services. Betting shops alone employ around 46,000 staff nationally, paying £1 billion in taxes to the Treasury and £60 million in business rates to local councils. Casinos employ 11,000 staff, contributing approximately £500 million in taxes annually.

Indra55

It seems that poorer individuals are more inclined to engage in this activity.

Ritu13

Operating in this way is likely to attract a larger customer base.

Yamini003

It is often the case that the poorer individuals are, the more inclined they are to engage in gambling.