Support scheme for problem gamblers as ‘10,000 in city addicted’

A NEW support scheme is being launched for problem gamblers, after research revealed more than 10,000 people in Yorkshire’s biggest city could be addicted.

The research by Leeds Beckett University found that a further 30,000 people in Leeds could also be at risk of harm from gambling.

Leeds City Council commissioned the study to find out the extent of gambling problems in the city, and the support services currently available to help those suffering from gambling addiction.

Council chiefs will today announce new plans to tackle the problem, by working with gambling organisations and charities, at a national conference held at Leeds Civic Hall.

Coun Debra Coupar, the council’s executive member for communities, said: “The findings of the study not only raise our understanding and awareness of the issue in the city but; crucially, we intend that it will be the catalyst for action to better support those suffering from gambling-related harm.

“As a council we place great emphasis on early support for people with a whole range of issues who may otherwise fall through the cracks and find themselves in even greater difficulty.”

The council plans to upgrade the support offered to gamblers in Leeds following the findings, by working with services in the city to raise awareness.

The university said that while rates of problem gambling are less than one per cent of the population nationally, the percentage in large metropolitan areas like Leeds are often higher.

Researchers found that the biggest impacts on the health and wellbeing of gamblers in Leeds were debt, relationship breakdowns and mental health issues.