Report: Gambling a 'major public health risk' in Northern Ireland

[The Buzz]

A new report is urging Northern Ireland to recognize gambling as a major public health risk, comparable to alcohol and tobacco, due to its widespread potential for addiction and harm. Data reveals a gambling problem rate of 2.3% in Northern Ireland, a significantly higher figure than in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

From Belfast Live:

The new report follows an inquiry carried out by the Northern Ireland All Party Group on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling between December 2022 and January 2024.

It included more than 30 witnesses giving oral evidence across 13 sessions as well as written evidence submitted by 45 individuals and organisations. The report, launched at Parliament Buildings in Belfast on Monday, includes 57 recommendations.

These include officially recognising gambling as a public health issue in Northern Ireland, a call for an integrated regional public health-focused strategy to prevent and reduce gambling harms; a financial levy on gambling operators to fund research, prevention and treatment; and an independent regulator for gambling.

The report concludes that by recognising gambling as a public health issue and implementing the recommendations, Northern Ireland can set a precedent for effectively ensuring that the long-term wellbeing of individuals and communities is safeguarded.
“The APG calls on the NI Executive, departments, and the UK Government to take decisive action in adopting these measures,” it adds.

Read more here: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/n...-risk-29414647