Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being prompted to share their experiences of gaming and what issues it can cause as a council looks to protect vulnerable residents.


Two consultations have actually been begun by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for grownups and the other for kids and young people.


Evidence suggested 1.2% of the city's population satisfied the requirements to be referred to as problem bettors, more than double the national average, a representative stated.


The experiences people share will go into minimizing the harm from the problem, they added.


Harms might include financial hardship, relationship breakdown and mental health problems, the spokesperson stated.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton homeowners looked for help from the charity Aquarius, which supports individuals impacted by betting.


But the council spokesperson stated they estimated 8,570 people might have benefited from the group's support.


Signs that someone may have an issue with betting consist of feelings of stress and anxiety or stress around their betting practice, wagering more than they can afford to lose, and gambling ever larger quantities of money to feel the same "high" as previously.


Ahmed said the authority wanted their method to be formed by genuine experiences and "grounded in what our communities inform us they require".


"Your voice matters - whether you have actually been personally impacted, understand somebody who has, or just desire to contribute to a safer, healthier city," she added, with a due date for comments by 20 March.


Research from the yearly national Youth and Gambling Survey 2025 revealed a noteworthy increase in betting participation amongst 11 to 17 years of age, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own cash on gambling in the past year, up from 27% in 2024.


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