Gambling in Barnet

Across the UK, millions are affected by gambling harms each year. It’s estimated that one-person-a-day dies by gambling-related suicide. Children are growing up in households where gambling problems overshadow family life. And the rise of online slot machines available 24/7 on phones means that gambling is easier, faster, and riskier than ever before.

Liberal Democrat MP Max Wilkinson has been working hard to raise awareness of gambling as a public health issue. Max writes:  “Public safety has been put behind profits, with few wider economic benefits from the rise of online gambling. The gambling industry knows this. It profits from it. And for years, the absence of firm regulation has let them get away with it. ”

In Barnet we have seen a rise in gambling outlets which are affecting communities across our borough. In 2022, a major focus of our local Government campaign was gambling. Specifically, the real harm that slot machines and gambling outlets cause, both to those addicted to them and to the community that bears the brunt of the consequences. 

So we were pleased to see that Barnet has used the foundations we put in place to tighten up the licensing of gambling establishments in the borough. Their statement of gambling principles was reviewed on 1st June, and uses our evidence and strategic thinking to benefit the borough.

It isn’t perfect; we think Town Teams should be included in the list of objectors, for example, but it puts Barnet in a much better place.