People in deprived areas at increased gambling risk charity claims
A charity warns that gambling venues in deprived areas of Dudley pose a heightened risk of gambling harm to vulnerable populations.Summary
GambleAware, a leading gambling support charity, has raised concerns about the location of Adult Gaming Centres (AGCs) in deprived areas of Dudley, England. BBC research reveals that both of Dudley’s licensed AGCs are situated within the 20% most deprived areas of mainland Britain. The charity highlights that individuals in the most deprived areas are twice as likely to experience gambling-related harms, and gaming machines are associated with a significant risk of problem gambling, affecting half of those who use them. Dudley Council licenses two AGCs: Quicksilver in Brierley Hill and Shipleys Mirage Centre in Halesowen. While the gambling industry maintains that AGCs operate under strict regulations and invest in regeneration, GambleAware emphasizes the need for caution and awareness regarding the potential harms in vulnerable communities. The research also shows that Dudley is one of only 12 authorities where all AGCs are located in highly deprived areas.
(Source：Birmingham Live)