Haringey Council figures indicate that approximately 8,000 residents in Haringey are struggling with gambling-related issues, while an additional 25,000 are impacted indirectly
Haringey Council has taken a groundbreaking step to combat gambling harm. It has become the first local authority in the UK to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA). This action aims to pressure the UK government to put into action tougher rules on gambling advertising. The council believes gambling ads have a major harmful effect on people and their families.
8,000 Residents Struggle with Gambling Harm, £8M Lost Annually
Council data shows that about 8,000 Haringey residents are dealing with gambling-related problems, while another 25,000 people feel the effects, including family members and close friends. Gambling harm also has a big financial impact on the borough, with £8 million ($9.9 million) lost each year due to related costs like homelessness, social care, NHS expenses, and unpaid rent.
Haringey’s choice to back CEGA matches its ongoing work to lessen gambling harm. The council has already worked to cut gambling ads on its platforms and now pushes for a UK-wide plan to tackle this issue. Town leaders hope that by taking this step other UK councils will do the same and team up to push for real policy shifts.
Haringey’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, Councillor Lucia das Neves, stressed the borough’s pledge to protect its people. She voiced worries about the spread of gambling ads and said the council aims to reduce the harm to the community.
Councillor Ajda Ovat, who manages Communities for the Cabinet, agreed with this idea. She highlighted that the council’s quick action shows how much it cares about keeping the public safe. She mentioned that Haringey has already put limits on gambling ads in its area, but working with others is needed to make big changes across the country.
CEGA Praises Haringey’s Leadership as Calls Grow for a National Gambling Ad Ban
Will Prochaska, who runs CEGA, said “Haringey’s stand as the first council in the country to join CEGA and call for an end to gambling ads nationally should be applauded. Councils do not have adequate powers to protect their citizens from the predatory gambling industry, but they do have a powerful voice nationally. It is important now that more councils follow Haringey’s lead.”
Haringey Council works in the community to help people affected by gambling problems. They run early intervention programs in schools, offer debt counseling, and give targeted help to those who need it. The council also holds regular meetings of the Haringey Gambling Harms Reduction Network. This group brings together locals, community groups, and experts to talk about good ways to tackle the issue.
This action happens as UK politicians discuss gambling rules. The Liberal Democrats have asked for tougher limits on gambling ads. This follows new policies like setting stake limits for online slots and bringing in a legal levy to pay for gambling addiction treatment.
Haringey Council has put itself in a leading role to limit gambling ads by joining CEGA. This move sets an example that other local governments might copy soon.
