High Street Gambling Reform 2026-01-08

Supports the campaign for gambling reform, citing the need to stop the proliferation of betting shops and adult gaming centres. Emphasises that councils should have control over these establishments.

Highlights the addictive nature of high-stake gambling machines, noting that they can be reserved for users to continue their gambling sessions. Expresses concern about the business model of gambling shops which keeps people in for extended periods.

Concerned about potential liberalisation of the 80:20 rule, which limits high-stake machines to 20% of a shop's total machines. Suggests that gambling shops are already circumventing this rule.

Points out the business strategy of the gambling industry, which relies heavily on profits from high-risk gamblers. Criticises the gambling industry's representatives for ignoring evidence of social harm caused by gambling.

Ms Siân Berry thanked Dawn Butler for proposing the motion and supported the need for action against gambling harm. She highlighted her work with local charities dealing with gambling-related issues and emphasised the importance of councils having more control over the spread of gambling premises. Ms Berry proposed a 'one in, one out' principle for new gambling establishments to respect licensing objectives aimed at preventing harm to children and vulnerable individuals. Additionally, she called for prohibitions on outdoor advertising of gambling.

The harms of gambling are evident and include missed birthdays, unpaid bills, broken relationships, and families torn apart. Local councils are legally required to err on the side of approval for betting shops and 24-hour slot machine venues despite local opposition or harm evidence. Enfield North has 30 gambling premises, predominantly in deprived areas. The 'aim to permit' rule stacks the deck in favour of gambling companies. We need to remove this automatic legal bias and allow councils to make decisions based on evidence.

High street gambling causes untold harm, particularly to deprived areas. Gambling-related harms include financial loss, debt, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. Gamblers are routinely incentivised to continue despite clear warning signs. Major operators relocate headquarters offshore to avoid tax contributions. The 'aim to permit' principle strips local authorities of prioritising public health and community wellbeing. Dewsbury and Batley has 10 gambling premises reflecting a system that clusters in areas of economic vulnerability.

Supports the proposed amendment for giving councils more power to shape their communities by regulating gambling premises. Emphasises Hounslow High Street's second highest number of gambling premises in the country, highlighting detrimental impacts on high streets and constituents' lives.

Argues for stronger regulation to prevent clustering of betting shops in poorer areas since 2005. Mentions the National Gambling Clinic's impact assessment, highlighting mental health stress and community decline caused by gambling.

Campaigns against the rise of adult gaming centres in his constituency, noting widespread opposition from local communities. Cites a 7% national increase in gaming centres between 2022-24 and ongoing battles to halt new applications.

The MP expressed concern over the clustering of betting shops and their impact on communities. He cited his own local area where there are three betting shops within walking distance in a town with fewer than 20,000 people. He welcomed steps taken by the Government but urged for further action to tackle gambling harm and introduce cumulative impact assessments to manage gambling premises density.

The MP suggested that betting shops should be regulated like cigarettes and alcohol, with health warnings on their fronts. He highlighted the appeal of these shops to children and young people and emphasised the need for such regulation.

The MP acknowledged that while gambling can be a light-hearted pastime, it also causes significant harm. He presented statistics on problem gambling rates and the severe impact it has on people's lives. The member called for measures such as removing the 'aim to permit' principle under the Gambling Act 2005 and establishing a gaming ombudsman with real power.

Argues that high street betting shops are among the most heavily regulated retail premises with strict age verification requirements. He cites research showing that 89% of betting shop customers support local businesses and contribute to the economy, while noting a decrease in betting shop numbers since 2019.

Questions whether reducing tax revenue from gambling companies outweighs the costs of mental health issues and other problems caused by gambling addiction. He also raises concerns about a planning loophole allowing adult gaming centres to introduce betting facilities without proper scrutiny.

Supports local empowerment but expresses concern over the confusion created by bypassing formal change of use processes in planning laws, which could allow betting facilities to open without proper oversight.

Freedom of responsibility when it comes to gambling is essential; restrictions should not prevent activities such as greyhound racing at Romford greyhound stadium in his constituency.

Formal exclusions do not work and families have been affected by gambling. Residents think local authorities can stop gambling shops, but they cannot. We need to protect individuals locally from harmful gambling.