The UK’s most deprived areas have more than ten times the number of betting shops than the most affluent parts of the country, new research shows.
A full 21% of gambling premises are found in the bottom tenth of the country, measured by deprivation.
Meanwhile, only 2% of the sites are in the top 10% of the least deprived areas, research from the University of Bristol, backed by the Standard Life Foundation, shows.
Although the number has been declining in recent years, there were still more gambling sites in Britain than shops run by the big eight supermarket chains put together, the researchers said.
They also found that half of the country’s gambling treatment centres were within 250 metres of their closest gambling premise.
“Problem gambling is a public health issue, causing serious harm to people’s finances, livelihoods and relationships,” said Standard Life Foundation chief executive Mubin Haq.
“Those with the least resources are being targeted more, with twice as many gambling venues on their doorstep as supermarkets.
“If we are to truly level up, the new gambling reforms currently being considered must take into account the geography of gambling venues and give local authorities more control over licensing.”
Veteran journalist John Simpson tweeted: “21% of the UK’s gambling outlets are in the poorest parts of the country, says a new study, compared with 2% in wealthy areas. The betting industry is accused of targetting the most vulnerable. Does anyone else find it disturbing to watch wealthy celebs fronting ads for gambling?”
And followed that up with another more personal message writing: “My grandfather ruined his family by his gambling, & my grandmother had to bring up her 3 children on handouts from better-off relatives. ‘When the fun stops, stop.’ Except he never did.”
The report found that Glasgow, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and parts of London had the highest number of betting shops per capita.
Around 44% of the UK’s gambling was still done in physical locations before the pandemic, with Brits spending around £5 billion in shops.
Jamie Evans, senior research associate at the University of Bristol, said: “The research highlights the clear mismatch between the amenities available in ‘left behind’ areas, compared with those that are more affluent.
“Rather than having greater access to the facilities, services and opportunities that help people to improve their lives, those in more deprived communities are disproportionately faced with choices that can often prove harmful.
“While the gambling industry may offer some much-needed employment in these areas, it usually takes much more than it gives, leaving a legacy of greater hardship and increased social problems.”
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