Gambling-related Crime Support for Victims 2024-12-10
2024-12-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to address the significant number of victims affected by gambling addiction and related crimes. The issue is compounded by the impact on families and communities, with an average of 496 gambling-related suicides annually.
What steps her Department is taking through the criminal justice system to help support victims of gambling-related crimes?
The Government are determined to provide support for all victims of crime and have publicly consulted on a new revised victims code in the new year. A legally mandated levy on gambling companies has been announced by the Minister for Gambling to address gambling harm and introduce NHS-led treatment and support.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not specifically mention steps taken through the criminal justice system as requested.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A local charity in Leicester South highlighted the devastating impact of gambling addiction on a young man from a deprived socioeconomic background and his family. The situation includes financial ruin, debt, and destruction of familial relationships.
I welcome that response from the Minister. Gambling addiction destroys lives. In fact, on average, 496 gambling-related suicides occur every year. It is not just the lives of the gamblers that get destroyed; there is an invisible group of victims—the families who have to pick up the pieces. A local charity in my constituency—Spinney Hill drugs, alcohol and addiction support—told me of a talented young man from a deprived socioeconomic background whose family saved every single penny to send him to university. He spent that and more on gambling because of his addiction. The family are now in spiralling debt, and the whole family unit has been destroyed. Does the Minister agree that gambling companies should pay a levy to help compensate families, especially when children are becoming addicted?
The Government recently announced a mandatory levy on gambling companies directly to provide support and NHS-led services. The comments will be passed to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for further action.
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Assessment & feedback
The response did not explicitly address whether the Minister agrees with levies compensating families affected by gambling addiction.
Response accuracy