Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being urged to share their experiences of gaming and what problems it can trigger as a council seeks to safeguard susceptible homeowners.


Two consultations have been started by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for adults and the other for kids and young individuals.


Evidence recommended 1.2% of the city's population satisfied the requirements to be explained as issue bettors, more than double the nationwide average, a spokesperson stated.


The experiences people share will enter into minimizing the harm from the issue, they added.


Harms could include monetary difficulty, relationship breakdown and psychological health issues, the representative stated.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton locals looked for aid from the charity Aquarius, which supports people impacted by betting.


But the council representative stated they approximated 8,570 individuals might have taken advantage of the group's support.


Signs that somebody might have a problem with gambling consist of sensations of anxiety or stress around their betting routine, more than they can pay for to lose, and gambling ever bigger amounts of money to feel the very same "high" as previously.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed said the authority desired their method to be formed by real experiences and "grounded in what our neighborhoods tell us they need".


"Your voice matters - whether you have been personally affected, know someone who has, or just want to contribute to a safer, healthier city," she added, with a deadline for comments by 20 March.


Research from the yearly nationwide Youth and Gambling Survey 2025 showed a noteworthy rise in betting involvement among 11 to 17 year olds, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own money on betting in the past year, up from 27% in 2024.


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