Sunderland City Council Launches Public Consultation on Gambling Policy

Sunderland City Council Opens Consultation on New Gambling Policy

Sunderland City Council is calling on residents and business owners to shape the future of gambling regulation!

A new policy consultation aims to ensure fair, legal operations and protect vulnerable groups in Sunderland.

Get involved and help create a responsible gambling environment in your community.

Submit your feedback via email within the next two weeks and influence the next three years of gambling policy.

Sunderland City Council has initiated a public consultation to gather input on its updated policy for gambling outlets and the issuance of permits and licenses. This move is crucial for shaping the future of gambling regulation in the city, and the council is urging residents and business owners to participate actively.

Invitation for Public Input

Residents and businesses have a two-week window to provide their insights and suggestions. Input can be submitted via email to licensing@sunderland.gov.uk. The council emphasizes that community feedback is vital in ensuring that the new policy aligns with public expectations and regulatory standards.

Current Gambling Landscape

Sunderland currently hosts 35 licensed gambling premises, which include 22 high-street betting shops. Since the last update to the Statement of Principles in 2022, four new premises licenses have been granted, mainly due to relocations, with one entirely new license. During the same period, five gambling venues have closed.

Policy Objectives

The primary goal of the new policy is to ensure that gambling outlets operate fairly and legally while safeguarding minors and other vulnerable individuals from harm or exploitation. The council aims to create a balanced environment where gambling does not become a source of crime or disorder.

Council’s Commitment

Councillor Jill Fletcher, the chair of Sunderland City Council’s Licensing Committee, highlighted the importance of community involvement in the regulatory process. She stated, “We always want to hear the views of residents, and this regulation of gambling premises is no exception. The views we receive can help shape and regulate what happens over the next three years.”

Fletcher added, “The principles guide the policy to help ensure that any gambling is not a source of crime or disorder, it is conducted in a fair and open way, and that children and other vulnerable persons are protected from harm or exploitation.”

Recent Gambling Statistics

The British Gambling Commission recently published first-year statistics from the new Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB). The 2023 survey revealed that 48 percent of adults and 52 percent of men participated in some form of gambling in the past four weeks. However, the participation rate drops to 27 percent when lottery draws are excluded.

The survey also showed mixed feelings among gamblers about their experiences. While 41 percent of adults who gambled in the past year rated their last gambling experience positively, 21 percent gave a negative score, and 37 percent remained neutral. The primary motivations for gambling included the chance of winning big money (86 percent), the fun aspect (70 percent), the potential to make money (58 percent), and the excitement it brings (55 percent).

Conclusion

The public consultation by Sunderland City Council is a critical step in updating the city’s gambling policy. By involving residents and business owners, the council aims to create a regulatory framework that ensures responsible and fair gambling practices. The new policy will guide the operation of gambling outlets over the next three years, ensuring that they contribute positively to the community while protecting vulnerable individuals.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to participate actively in this consultation process and submit their feedback within the next two weeks. This is an opportunity to influence the future of gambling regulation in Sunderland and help create a safer, more responsible gaming environment.