Gambling survey launch
other Third sector organisations operating in the county were eligible to apply for activity covering April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
Mr McCloskey added: “The wider Third Sector Interface Network is in active dialogue with the Scottish Government about the potential for Year 4 (and beyond) of this invaluable and much needed funding.”
As the Gateway team marks its 21st birthday the support and advice it offers has never been more important.
Commenting on the 21st birthday,and a tribute paid by the council thanking the organisation for its work Mr McCloskey said: “VSGWL is the Third Sector Interface (TSI) operating in West Lothian.
“Our primary purpose is to promote, develop and support West Lothian’s Third Sector. We aim to strengthen the third-sector and strengthen partnerships that deliver real change by connecting people, ideas and resources.
“We recently celebrated our 21st birthday and are delighted to receive the positive recognition from West Lothian Council for our achievements in supporting Third sector organisations and those in most need in all local communities.”
He added: “This acknowledgement is testimony to our fantastic staff team and Trustees. Huge thanks also goes to our partners and members for their invaluable support in reaching this milestone.”
West Lothian Council has asked the public how it can best shape its future policies on gambling regulation.
But in launching a survey the council acknowledges new regulation will have no influence on online sites – the biggest growth area for problem gambling.
The council’s policy could be an influence on the sites and number of physical betting shops in a given area.
The Licensing Board is legally required to review its gambling policies every three years.
The consultation started on April 5 and will end on June 5.
The move to online gambling has seen a big drop in the number of independently owned bookmakers’ and physical betting shops in the last ten years.
Gamblers Anonymous Scotland confirmed: “There is a huge problem with online gambling, no doubt, but we are here to help anyone and everyone who has a problem.”
They said that some who they work with have never been in a betting shop, adding: “So yes, online is getting larger and very easy to access, but we have no numbers to verify that.”
The convenor of West Lothian’s Licensing Board said the primary responsibility of the council was to ensure fairness and honesty in gambling, as well as legal checks and balances.
Regrettably, many organisations missed out