With the UK enjoying some of the most lenient gambling laws in the world, gambling has become a favourite pastime for many. The increased accessibility of online casino sites has further fuelled this growth. What’s more, the gamification of the new slot sites has made gaming even more enticing to players. However, it’s not just online operators who have been taking advantage of these new laws. Traditional operators have also been investing more in this industry. We look at how this has affected Brent and what its residents are doing about it.
The Gambling Surge in Brent: Is There Reason for Concern?
The Borough of Brent has always appealed to residents and tourists because of its vibrant and diverse community. But lately, it has been making the headlines due to increased gambling activities. How so?
- The increase in gambling venues. By 2025, Brent had at least 80 licensed gambling venues, making it the borough with the second-highest population of such establishments. What’s more, these establishments are diverse, ranging from betting shops to casinos that are easily accessible to the public.
- A growing concern over problem gambling. The national problem gambling rate stands at 2.9%. As such, Brent’s 6.2% has caught the attention of its residents and local authorities. After all, if the rate increases, it’s only a matter of time before the negative impacts of problem gambling start to ripple through the community.
- The targeting of vulnerable populations. While most gambling establishments toe the line, others have been fingered for not only marketing but also offering their services to vulnerable populations such as minors and gambling addicts.
The social and economic effects of problem gambling have already started showing in the community. So far, estimates show that this problem costs the borough about £14.3 million a year, with the most effects shown in areas like Neasden and Willesden.
Tackling the Growing Problem
Brent’s residents are eager to find practical ways they can rely on to curb the growing problem. So far, they have initiated the following approaches:
An Emphasis On Research.
Rather than working with estimates on how far the problem gaming goes, the Brent Council has undertaken a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment. Their research goes into how the problem gaming affects the community, how vulnerable populations fit into this scope, as well as several nuances regarding the economic and social impacts of this increased gambling rate.
A Push For Fewer Licenses.
With the borough already having more than 80 gambling establishments, it has pushed back on the licensing of more venues. The council argues that these venues target the deprived areas where vulnerable groups exist. A good example would be the recent application to open an adult gaming centre in Neasden, where the population has been marked as having many vulnerable players. The council rejected the application with the aim of reducing people’s exposure to yet another gambling venue.
A Call For More Regulations.
While the current gambling regulations in the UK foster access to gambling and create an open market where players and operators can thrive, there are some loopholes. In Brent, one such case has been the Fixed Odds Betting Terminals, which have been shown to cause high dependency rates among players. The council has also brought up the lack of restrictions on the number of venues that can operate in the area, citing that such gaps pave the way for operators to take advantage of players who may not have much control over their actions.
A Drive For More Awareness.
With gambling venues becoming more easily accessible, many people may not understand that participating in such games carries a degree of risk. The council has thus been spreading awareness about how gaming works and how players can make the best decisions for themselves and the people around them. This awareness relies on the premise that when people know better, they do better.
The council has also opened up to getting feedback from residents on their concerns, enforcing rules about where gambling venues can operate, and collaborating with organisations that align with its mission.
Feature image by Mike Bird on Pexels
