Councils are powerless to prevent a plague of betting shops appearing in  deprived areas, local leaders are warning. Under the Gambling Act 2005, which came into force just over a year ago, councils have no power to reject applications for new betting shops based on the number of bookmakers already open in an area. It means poorer areas with low rents are becoming a magnet for high-street bookmakers, several of whom are implementing large-scale expansion plans. In some areas, as many as six betting shops are now operating within yards of each other – a problem the LGA believes will become more widespread unless action is taken. “It’s very worrying that we’re seeing this growth in betting shops in poorer  areas,” said Cllr Chris White, chair of the LGA’s culture, tourism and sport board.
With money a big concern for most people at the moment, it increases the danger that those who can least afford to spend will be tempted further into debt. Betting shops have always been a traditional part of the high street, but in large numbers they can prove detrimental both to the character of an area and to the spending habits of residents,” Cllr White said. During consultation on the Gambling Act, councils called for the power to restrict the number of bookies on the high street (pictured). The LGA now wants the government to implement this power and has written to sport and tourism minister Gerry Sutcliffe to request a meeting on the issue.

Weblink

8 October 2008
© LGA