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 citizens.


Two consultations have been begun by City of Wolverhampton Council, one for adults and the other for kids and youths.


Evidence suggested 1.2% of the city's population fulfilled the criteria to be explained as issue gamblers, more than double the average, a representative said.


The experiences individuals share will enter into decreasing the harm from the concern, they included.


Harms might consist of financial challenge, relationship breakdown and mental health issues, the representative said.


From 2019-22, 70 Wolverhampton homeowners looked for help from the charity Aquarius, which supports people affected by gambling.


But the council spokesperson stated they approximated 8,570 individuals could have benefited from the group's support.


Signs that someone might have an issue with gambling consist of feelings of anxiety or stress around their betting practice, betting more than they can manage to lose, and gambling ever bigger amounts of cash to feel the very same "high" as in the past.


Councillor Obaida Ahmed stated the authority wanted their method to be shaped by genuine experiences and "grounded in what our neighborhoods inform us they require".


"Your voice matters - whether you have been personally impacted, understand someone who has, or simply wish to contribute to a safer, much healthier city," she added, with a due date for remarks by 20 March.


Research from the annual national Young People and Gambling Survey 2025 revealed a significant increase in betting participation amongst 11 to 17 year olds, with 30% reporting that they had invested their own money on betting in the previous year, up from 27% in 2024.


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