Glasgow councillor says UK gambling levy must help local communities

Questions over how the government’s proposed gambling levy will work have been raised by a Glasgow councillor amid concerns over addiction

The UK Government confirmed last month it would bring forward a statutory levy on gambling operators to generate £100 million for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms.

As it stands the current voluntary system means that not all gambling companies contribute equally, with some operators paying as little as £1 a year. The new mandatory levy will ensure all operators contribute a fair share.

Glasgow has more bookmakers than anywhere in the UK outside some areas of London, while national figures suggest 1 in 15 residents – approximately 45,000 people- may have a gambling problem.