Brent Council Concerned over Public Costs of Problem Gambling
Brent Council, one of the London Boroughs in the UK, has raised concerns over the number of gaming outlets located in its towns, this includes several bookmakers and Merkur adult gaming centers. The council has commissioned a report on the effect on the local population that so many gaming venues may have.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The report called the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) found that there were twice as many problem gamblers in Brent as the national average with 6.2% of its residents as opposed to 2.9% across the nation. Additionally councillors in the borough state there are costs associated with the impact of gambling-related harm and this is estimated to be more than £14 million each year.
One of the issues the councilors are most vociferous about is they feel powerless to place any restrictions on the number of gaming establishments in Brent. They feel the number of gambling venues in the area has reached saturation point and is having a detrimental effect on the town. They say there is a cap on the number of bookmakers permitted in the town but there’s no limit on the number of gaming centers and bingo halls in the area, and gaming operators are using this as a loophole.
More Responsible Gambling News
Responsible Gambling
ANJ Issues Hefty Fine to Unibet for Ongoing Self-Exclusion Failures
Mar 06, 2025
81 Licensed Gambling Premises in the Local Area
Councilors in the local area say there are more than 80 venues that hold gambling licenses in the local vicinity and this actually exceeds the total number of supermarkets, banks, and schools situated in Brent.
Merkur Slots has responded by stating its premises are for adults only and the front of its venues are obscured and do not feature anything to appeal to minors. It also provides staff training so its employees can identify those at risk of harm from gambling and offer support and help to customers who need it.
The amount of gaming venues in the London Borough of Brent has caused some concern for local residents for a while and earlier this year there was strong opposition to a gaming venue in the area proposed by Merkur Slots.
Whilst the premise may be near or in an area of relative deprivation, Merkur Slots takes the view that individual customers must be treated holistically.
RELATED TOPICS: Responsible Gambling
Latest News
Most Read
Must Read
Interviews
Sweepstakes Casinos: Thriving in an Ever-Changing Industry – Interview with Attorney Stephen C. Piepgrass
Feb 17, 2025
Interviews
Review this New Post
Leave a Comment
User Comments
Comments for Brent Council Concerned over Public Costs of Problem Gambling