Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being advised to share their experiences of gaming and what problems it can cause as a council aims to safeguard vulnerable homeowners.


Two assessments have been started by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for grownups and the other for children and youths.


Evidence suggested 1.2% of the city's population met the requirements to be referred to as issue gamblers, more than double the nationwide average, a representative stated.


The experiences will enter into reducing the harm from the issue, they included.


Harms might consist of financial hardship, relationship breakdown and mental health concerns, the spokesperson said.


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 approximated 8,570 individuals might have taken advantage of the group's support.


Signs that someone might have an issue with gambling include feelings of stress and anxiety or tension around their betting habit, betting more than they can pay for to lose, and gambling ever larger quantities of money to feel the exact same "high" as before.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed stated the authority desired their method to be formed by real experiences and "grounded in what our communities tell us they require".


"Your voice matters - whether you have actually been personally affected, know somebody who has, or simply wish to contribute to a more secure, healthier city," she added, with a due date for comments by 20 March.


Research from the annual nationwide Youth and Gambling Survey 2025 revealed a noteworthy rise in gambling participation amongst 11 to 17 years of age, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own cash on gaming in the previous year, up from 27% in 2024.


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