Don’t let me place a bet in your shop

Helpline will let gambling addicts ask for ban

A scheme is to be launched which will allow problem gamblers to exclude themselves from high street betting shops.

For the f i rst time i n scotland, gambling addicts can call a confidential helpline to request that they be refused service at any of 36 participating betting shops.

Previously, gamblers have only been able to ban themselves from one betting shop at a time and have been required to fill in forms for each different operator.

The pilot scheme in Glasgow will allow them to choose which shops they want to be excluded from, such as those close to their homes or workplaces. At present it is only available to gamblers in the city centre but people will be able to exclude themselves from shops outside that area with participating bookmakers.

The helpline will also provide information on how to get help and counselling to deal with a gambling problem.

The three - month project will be launched by participating bookmakers, alongside the Association of British Bookmakers and Glasgow councillors. malcolm George, chief executive of the Association, said: ‘This is a very important step towards helping problem gamblers in Glasgow stay in control and get the help they need. high street betting operators want all customers to enjoy their leisure time and gamble responsibly.

‘We also want to help those who may be getting into difficulties and this scheme will be a big step forward to achieving that. In addition, it will shape the UK-wide scheme that will begin next year.’

Paul Rooney, Glasgow’s city treasurer and chairman of a cross-party group on gambling, said: ‘We simply don’t know enough about how problem gambling affects individuals, families and communities, either here in Glasgow or anywhere else in the UK.

‘ however, this project breaks new ground in terms of the industry sharing information, both between operators and, crucially, with their regulator.

‘Only time will tell if it will offer more effective support for Glaswegians who are struggling with their gambling.’

mr Rooney added: ‘But I also want to ensure that the city uses this opportunity to gain a better understanding of who finds their gambling become a problem, how they try to cope with that, and to what extent they are able to bring it under control.’

In march, the scottish Daily mail reported that scots spent £600million last year on high stakes betting machines nicknamed t he ‘ crack cocaine’ of gambling.

scots lost £158million on fixed odds betting terminals, which allow users to bet up to £100 a spin on roulette and slot machine-style games.

Figures from the campaign for Fairer Gambling found that more than 166,000 scots play such machines and more than 36,000 were ‘ at ri sk’ or ‘ problem’ gamblers.

A separate scottish health survey found that more than 30,000 gamblers were addicted to them.

‘Offer more effective support’