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Liverpool is intensifying its efforts to combat gambling-related harm after recent research showed that nearly 12% of gamblers in the city suffer from such harm—almost twice the national average for England. This alarming statistic formed the basis of a comprehensive workshop that united health officials, community groups, gambling support services, and individuals with personal experience of gambling harm. The goal was to explore strategies to better prevent harm, promote recovery, and safeguard future generations from the consequences of gambling.
The workshop was part of Liverpool’s ongoing commitment under its Reducing Gambling Harms Action Plan. Attendees included representatives from Liverpool City Council, NHS Northern Gambling Service, The Big Life Foundation, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Gambling Harm UK, Chapter One, Rotunda, First Person CIC, and the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), among others. Discussions underscored growing concerns about the damaging effects gambling inflicts on families, communities, young people, and students, with experts warning that harmful gambling frequently remains concealed until it escalates into a crisis.
Liverpool has established itself as a frontrunner among local authorities advocating a public health approach to gambling harm. The city recently joined the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, backing efforts to limit gambling marketing and its impact on vulnerable populations. Research commissioned by Liverpool City Council and carried out by Liverpool John Moores University revealed that close to 30% of adults had gambled within the past year, with about 25,000 adults having experienced gambling harm as children—highlighting the intergenerational reach of its effect.
A poignant contribution came from a representative of The Big Life Foundation, who shared a personal story of living with gambling harm. They described gambling as the greatest threat to their wellbeing and spoke openly about using alcohol and drugs to cope with the pain, illustrating how gambling problems often remain hidden until they become severe. The workshop emphasized that recovery begins when affected individuals feel safe to seek help without stigma or judgment. However, it was also noted that gambling harm is a complex and prolonged issue, often requiring sustained support and understanding to overcome. Through early intervention and continuous assistance, Liverpool’s partners aim to break this cycle, helping people rebuild their lives, restore relationships, and reduce the impact of gambling on future generations.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, stressed, “Gambling harm is a public health issue that can have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. Tackling it requires a joined-up approach, which is why it is so important to bring together partners from across the city to share learning, identify opportunities and agree collective action.” He added, “By working together and taking steps such as joining the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, we are helping to create a healthier environment and reducing the risk of harm for Liverpool residents. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not shame.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool, noted, “We know that gambling-related harm can affect people’s mental health, finances, relationships and overall wellbeing. Liverpool has taken a clear public health approach to this issue, focusing on prevention, early intervention and ensuring support is available when people need it.” He highlighted that the workshop demonstrated the strong partnerships across the city and the shared commitment to identifying harm at an earlier stage, increasing awareness, and making it easier for people to get help.
Concluding the event, partners reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing support services in Liverpool, raising awareness among frontline workers, and ensuring help is accessible before gambling problems worsen. By integrating evidence-based policies, community collaboration, and advocacy for gambling reform, Liverpool aims to create a city where gambling harm is recognized early, support is more readily available, and fewer families endure the long-term consequences of gambling-related harm
Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More
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