Wolverhampton seeks views on gambling harm strategy

City of Wolverhampton Council has opened two public consultations around gambling. One is aimed at adults and one children and young people. The date will be used to help form a strategy to help reduce gambling-related harm across the city.

The idea behind the consultation means the strategy to be written with real experiences in mind. The survey asked how residents, their families or their community are affected by gambling.

Why the studies

Around 1.2% of the city’s population meets the criteria for problem gambling according to council estimates. This is more than double the national average. And with problem gambling often comes harm.

Harms linked to gambling can include:

• Financial hardship.
• Relationship breakdown.
• Mental health challenges.

The council said insight gathered from the consultations would be used to inform measures for prevention and support.

Gap between need and support

Just 70 Wolverhampton residents went to the gambling and addiction charity Aquarius for support between 2019 and 2022.

However, the numbers that could have needed support are much higher. The council estimates that 8,570 residents could have benefited from similar support during that period. There’s a clear disparity between the figures. Officials have described this as a significant gap between those experiencing harm and those accessing services.

Common warning signs of gambling harm include anxiety or stress linked to betting, wagering more than can be afforded and chasing losses in pursuit of the same emotional “high”.

Rising concern over youth gambling

The consultations come amid fresh national data showing an increase in youth participation. The annual Young People and Gambling Survey 2025 found that 30% of 11 to 17-year-olds reported spending their own money on gambling in the past year. That is a rise from 27% in 2024.

The figures have prompted renewed concern about early exposure to gambling products. This is particularly true for gambling online and with mobile devices.

“With the rise in online gambling and the highly targeted nature of digital advertising, it has never been more important that we take proactive, evidence-led action to protect our residents.” – Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community.

Councillor Ahmed also said the council wanted its approach to be “grounded in what our communities tell us they need”.

“Your voice matters – whether you have been personally affected, know someone who has, or simply want to contribute to a safer, healthier city,” she said.

Residents have until 20 March to submit their views. The council said responses will directly influence its final strategy. It will aim to protect vulnerable residents and reduce gambling-related harm across Wolverhampton.