Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being prompted to share their experiences of betting and what problems it can cause as a council wants to secure susceptible citizens.


Two consultations have actually been begun by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for grownups and the other for kids and youths.


Evidence recommended 1.2% of the city's population fulfilled the criteria to be described as issue bettors, more than double the national average, a representative stated.


The experiences people share will go into reducing the harm from the problem, they included.


Harms could consist of financial hardship, relationship breakdown and psychological health problems, the representative stated.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton residents sought aid from the charity Aquarius, which supports people impacted by gambling.


But the council representative said they estimated 8,570 people might have taken advantage of the group's support.


Signs that someone may have an issue with gambling consist of feelings of anxiety or stress around their gambling routine, wagering more than they can pay for to lose, and betting ever of money to feel the very same "high" as in the past.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed stated the authority wanted their method to be shaped by real experiences and "grounded in what our communities tell us they require".


"Your voice matters - whether you have actually been personally impacted, understand someone who has, or simply wish to add to a much safer, much healthier city," she added, with a due date for remarks by 20 March.


Research from the annual nationwide Youth and Gambling Survey 2025 showed a significant rise in gambling involvement amongst 11 to 17 years of age, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own cash on gambling in the previous year, up from 27% in 2024.


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