The organisers of The Beat the Odds conference shared that problem gambling behaviour and gambling addictions have become a public health problem in Wales. The initiative is aimed at bringing together various individuals related with the problem, including people who suffer from problem gambling behaviour, specialists and politicians, in Cardiff today.
The organiser of the Beat the Odds event Wynford Ellis Owen from the Living Room Charity commented that the problem is getting more serious by the day, as Welsh gambling addicts literally lack any kind of support for their problems.
Earlier this year, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has reported that the estimated percentage of the population of Wales who deal with gambling problems and addictions, is 1.1%. The investigation has been launched in order for the impact of gambling addictions on Welsh residents’ health to be evaluated. According to the most recent figures reported by the UK gambling regulatory body, it turned out that approximately 1.1% of the local population deal with gambling problems and addictions.
At the time when the figures of the research were announced, the researchers from Bangor University and Public Health Wales expressed their hope that their work would make local authorities think about the problem and put in on top of their agenda. They also shared that they would be glad to see that better support is provided to local residents suffering from addictions. The Welsh Government commented that in general, no medical help was provided in terms of problem gambling behaviour and addictions.
A female local resident also raised questions about how seriously the problem is taken by the authorities, saying that some treatments are available only for male gambling addicts, while female problem gambling behaviour is not taken seriously. She explained that she has earlier applied to be taken in an English rehab, but the facility was only available to make addicts.
In October 2016, the UK Gambling Commission released some figures showing almost no difference between the number of men and women involved in gambling activities. According to the survey results, 5% of Wales-residing females between the age of 35 and 44 were put at risk to become gambling addicts.
Also according to the data released after the October UKGC survey, 59% of Wales women were involved in any gambling activities. In comparison, the percentage of male gamblers in Wales was 63%. The number of men and women who gambled on the Lottery was almost equal, with 44% of Welsh women and 45% of Welsh men making Lottery bets. The number of women who have been involved with scratch card games in Wales was even bigger than the one of men, with 28% to 25% ratio.
In an interview for BBC Wales, the Cardiff resident Sarah Grant, a gambling addict aged 31, explained she had been suffering from a 15-year addiction, which resulted in her being sent in prison and being homeless. However, according to Ms. Grant, no adequate help and rehabilitation have been offered to her.
Also, Ms. Grant pointed the authorities’ attention for the obvious negligence towards gambling addictions in Wales, saying that special help is normally offered to the ones suffering from drugs and alcohol addictions. She is to deliver a speech at the Cardiff-based event.
- Author
Daniel Williams
