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 betting and what problems it can cause as a council looks to secure susceptible homeowners.


Two assessments have actually been begun by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for grownups and the other for kids and young individuals.


Evidence suggested 1.2% of the city's population fulfilled the requirements to be referred to as problem bettors, more than double the national average, a representative stated.


The experiences people share will enter into minimizing the harm from the concern, they included.


Harms might include monetary hardship, relationship breakdown and psychological health concerns, the spokesperson said.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton residents looked for assistance from the charity Aquarius, which supports people impacted by gambling.


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


Signs that someone might have an issue with betting include sensations of stress and anxiety or stress around their gaming habit, betting more than they can manage to lose, and betting ever bigger quantities of money to feel the very same "high" as previously.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed said the authority wanted their technique to be formed by genuine experiences and "grounded in what our communities tell us they need".


"Your voice matters - whether you have been personally impacted, understand somebody who has, or simply want to contribute to a much safer, much healthier city," she added, with a deadline for comments by 20 March.


Research from the yearly national Youth and 2025 showed a notable increase in betting participation among 11 to 17 years of age, with 30% reporting that they had spent their own money on gambling in the past year, up from 27% in 2024.


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