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Adults at risk due to gambling addiction

P003096 - 16 July 2025 to 09 September 2025

Presentations: 2
Presenters: 1
NHS

At a Glance

This petition concerning adults at risk due to gambling addiction was presented to Parliament 2 times by 1 MP.

Issue Summary

The petition calls for stronger legislation to allow family members to advocate for adults at risk due to gambling addiction, with enhanced training for GPs and other agencies to identify signs of gambling addiction.

Action Requested

The House of Commons is urged to take immediate action to ensure NHS and local authority advocacy services accommodate families advocating for their "at-risk" adult relatives, and improve GP training in identifying and referring gambling addiction cases using the proposed gambling operator levy.

Key Facts

  • Statutory levy on gambling operators came into effect in April 2025.
  • Levy provides independent funding to support research, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harms across Great Britain.
  • Departments are working collaboratively to determine future approaches to prevention and treatment.
  • The Department for Culture, Media and Sport oversees spending decisions regarding the levy funds.

Presentation Timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

Presented
09 September 2025
Glasgow North East
Presented
16 July 2025
Glasgow North East
I rise to present this petition on behalf of the family of Marc Spalding. Like too many families, their lives have been devastated as a consequence of the harm caused by gambling addiction. I am incredibly moved that through their pain, Marc’s mother and sister are advocating for others who may be experiencing a similar situation. Currently, families are not empowered to raise concerns with the appropriate authorities on behalf of a loved one struggling with a gambling addiction. This lack of agency often leaves them feeling helpless. This petition, in addition to one that received 3,280 signatures, calls for legislative reform to strengthen the rights of family members in these circumstances. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to take immediate action to ensure NHS and local authority advocacy services allow for families to advocate for their ‘at risk’ adult members and improve GP training in the area of gambling addiction utilising the proposed gambling operator levy.
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