Views Sought Over Strategy To Reduce Gambling Harm

12 February 2026
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Andrew DawkinsWest Midlands


People in a city are being prompted to share their experiences of betting and what issues it can trigger as a council aims to protect vulnerable homeowners.


Two have been begun by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for adults and the other for children and young people.


Evidence recommended 1.2% of the city's population satisfied the criteria to be explained as issue gamblers, more than double the nationwide average, a representative stated.


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


Harms could include financial hardship, relationship breakdown and psychological health issues, the representative stated.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton homeowners sought help from the charity Aquarius, which supports individuals affected by gambling.


But the council spokesperson stated they estimated 8,570 people could have gained from the group's support.


Signs that somebody might have an issue with gambling consist of sensations of stress and anxiety or stress around their gambling routine, wagering more than they can afford to lose, and betting ever larger amounts of cash to feel the exact same "high" as previously.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed said the authority desired their method to be shaped by genuine experiences and "grounded in what our communities inform us they need".


"Your voice matters - whether you have actually been personally affected, know someone who has, or simply desire to add to a safer, healthier city," she included, with a due date for comments by 20 March.


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


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