Scotland’s politicians have recognised gambling harms as a “serious public health issue” and set their sights on a new UK-wide gambling levy to fund support services while tackling aggressive marketing.

Around 21,000 people in Scotland are experiencing ‘severe’ gambling problems, with many more thought to be at risk – with Public Health Scotland estimating 58% of adults have gambled in the past year.

A new levy on casino and betting operator profits, which is to be used for prevention and NHS-led support for problem gambling, was welcomed by MSPs during a parliamentary debate on the issue.

However, they also raised concerns over whether this will be enough to counteract the millions invested by betting companies in advertising.

Opening the debate, Clare Adamson MSP emphasised the far-reaching consequences of gambling for individuals, families and wider communities:

“A public health issue requires a public health, person-centred response.

“Problem gambling and addiction more generally, doesn’t just impact on finances, it can have serious implications for the health and wellbeing of not just the person with the problem, but their friends, family and loved ones.

“It is estimated that for every person who has a gambling problem, there will be six other people among their family, friends and working environment who will be deeply affected by it, too.”

The debate comes almost two years since a global public health review highlighted a ‘substantial’ lack of meaningful government commitment to addressing the public health and wellbeing harms of gambling.

The motion lodged in the Scottish parliament this month calls for the recognition of gambling addiction as a ‘significant public health issue’, emphasising the need for improved prevention and support.

Stigma and judgment

Many factors contribute to an increased risk of gambling addiction, including family and relationship difficulties, gambling from a young age, mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD.

Ms Adamson emphasised the need to raise awareness, frame gambling addictions with care and approach the increasing need with compassion – empowering people to seek and access help:

“It can cause financial ruin, result in health and wellbeing issues, and people experiencing problem gambling face a stigma and judgement that can put them off seeking the help they so desperately need.

“Loss of employment, debt and deterioration of physical and mental health can lead to increased risk of suicide among individuals who are affected by problem gambling.

“We’re not going to end gambling but we can recognise if it gets out of control, there is help for those who are struggling.”

Other MSPs outlined that, for many Scots, it can be easier to “cover up” gambling, leading to isolation with close friends and family not realising anything is wrong until thousands in debt has accumulated.

They said this can then lead to people committing criminal acts to continue their gambling – often as a result of financial desperation.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto told parliament that online platforms have changed the nature of addiction and recognised the need to work across governments and sectors.

She said a coordinated approach to better understand the scale of impact is needed to deliver support to those most in need:

“For people battling problem gambling, we need to see the collection of better data, improved signposting, and properly funded local support.

“We have to ensure that people can access help when and where they need it, in a way that enables them to respond positively.”

She said Scotland’s population health framework seeks to deliver a cross-sectoral approach to improve the key building blocks of health will be directly informed by work around gambling harms.

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