Annex 4

Gambling Licence Policy 2022

Consultee Responses

	RESPONDENT DETAILS	COMMENTS	ACTION TAKEN
1.	Natalie Simpson Company Secretary GambleAware	Thank you for consulting us on your draft Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005. Due to resource constraints on a small charity, we are not able to offer specific feedback on your policy. However, you may find GambleAware’s recently published interactive maps useful, which have been designed for use by local authorities. The maps show the prevalence of problem gambling severity in each local authority and ward area as well as usage of, and reported demand for, treatment and support for gambling harms. GambleAware also strongly commends two publications by the Local Government Association which set out the range of options available to local authorities to deal with gambling-related harms using existing powers: https://www.local.gov.uk/tackling-gambling-related-harm-whole-council-approach https://www.local.gov.uk/gambling-regulation-councillor-handbook-england-and-wales GambleAware is also fully supportive of local authorities which conduct an analysis to identify areas with increased levels of risk for any reason. In particular we support those who also include additional licence requirements to mitigate the increased level of risk. Areas where there are higher than average resident or visiting populations from groups we know to be vulnerable to gambling harms include children, the unemployed, the homeless, certain ethnic-minorities, lower socio-economic groups, those attending mental health (including gambling disorders) or substance addiction treatment services.   Finally, GambleAware is a leading commissioner of prevention and treatment services for gambling harms. It provides these functions across England, Scotland and Wales and its work is underpinned by high quality research, data and evaluation. We encourage all local authorities to signpost people to the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 and also www.begambleaware.org. Both are part of the National Gambling Treatment Service and offer free, confidential advice and support for those who may need it.	An appendix entitled ‘Useful Publications and Tools’ has been included within the revised Policy.  Links to guidance to licensing authorities and GambleAware’s interactive maps are included within this annex. An appendix entitled ‘Useful Contacts’ have been included within the revised Policy. Contact details and links to websites of a number organisations offering guidance and help on gambling related issues.