Gambling
Key messages from the Glasgow Gambling Summit – Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland
![Key messages from the Glasgow Gambling Summit – Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland Key messages from the Glasgow Gambling Summit – Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland](https://www.alliance-scotland.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/OPINION.jpg)
-
Written by:
Hannah Gunn
— Development Officer - Published: 23rd September 2021
Reflections and key messages from Glasgow City Council and Public Health Scotland’s virtual Gambling-Harms Summit.
Along with other colleagues, I attended Glasgow City Council and Public Health Scotland’s virtual Gambling-Harms Summit which brought together people with lived experience of gambling harms, practitioners, researchers, and policymakers to share knowledge, insights, and ideas on tackling gambling harms in a world adapting to COVID-19.
We heard that this highly addictive pursuit has, for too long, been a hidden harm overlooked in Scotland in comparison to other public health issues. The harms are also often underestimated with Dr Heather Wardle indicating that research suggests 1 in 4 of those who engage in gambling can experience harm.
I was struck by the overwhelming agreement that people with lived experience of gambling harms must be at forefront of developing action for change. People with lived experience have been calling for action for some time and coming together to offer support in the absence of other treatment options through initiatives such as Chatter and Machine Zone. I It was heartening to see this community being recognised and valued for their rich, first-hand experiences.
It was established there is an urgent need to focus on taking a whole system approach – involving – the third and public sector – whilst putting people with lived experience front and centre as equal partners as we co-design actions.
Other key messages from the Summit were:
Person-centred treatment and support options must be developed
Maree Todd MSP opened the Summit by highlighting the need for trauma-informed, person-centred national and local treatment options for those experiencing gambling harm, where “evaluation, collaboration, regulation and research” are key areas of focus.
Challenging the normalisation of gambling is a key priority
By attending this Summit, all participants helped to challenge the normalisation of gambling which currently exists in Scotland.
Sara Redmond, the ALLIANCE’s Director of Development and Improvement, highlighted the need to continue challenging this and “reject the safer gambling mantra, which is extremely offensive to those with lived experience. We need to work across the system, moving away from a personal responsibility narrative to one which acknowledges the power imbalance between a multi-billion pound industry and individuals who are impacted by gambling harms”.
Gambling is a public health issue and should be recognised as such
Councillor Bailie Christie stated, “Gambling is a public health issue – Glasgow City Council has identified the need to develop a holistic approach and raise the profile of gambling harms, similar to alcohol addiction to make links across different areas of addiction”.
Dr Heather Wardle from the University of Glasgow also hoped the Summit would achieve “recognition of gambling as a public health issue” and the serious associated harms which all too often go unrecognised. The need to build networks and communities for those interested in taking forward actions was emphasised.
The stigma surrounding gambling must be addressed
Consistent themes of gambling as a “silent illness” were highlighted throughout the Summit. This is a key message echoed by the ALLIANCE’s Lived Experience Forum; that the shame and stigma associated with gambling is a barrier which prevents people from seeking help, support, and treatment.
Education and prevention are crucial to reducing gambling harms
Education and prevention are key aims of Scotland’s National Strategy towards Reducing Gambling Harm and were also of paramount concern during the Summit.
Showcasing an example of young people increasing their own knowledge and awareness of gambling harms, Michelle Gillies from the Scottish Public Health Network shared the project “Booze, Bet, Bust” (this link will take you away from our website) where young people explored gambling harms and health inequalities.
Increased regulation of online gambling is required
“Gambling didn’t stop because of the pandemic – online betting became the norm” – Maree Todd MSP.
It is clear COVID-19 has accelerated gambling practices into a digital age; Councillor Bailie Christie shared that the UK is world leading in the number of online gambling platforms available. It was clear from the Summit that legislative action is needed to acknowledge the shift of gambling activity online, and to regulate this effectively.
These core messages echo very directly the calls to action which have been outlined by the ALLIANCE’s own Lived Experience Forum. We endorse the messages outlined above as key actions to take forward.
A number of other objectives we would also include are:
- The introduction of a statutory levy
- Raising the public’s awareness of gambling harm
- Increasing awareness of gambling-related harm among health and social care professionals.
Martin and Chris from the ALLIANCE’s Gambling Harm Lived Experience Forum also facilitated their own workshop “The View From Below” at the Summit (this link will take you away from our website).
The momentum from this Summit must be maintained; together we must take forward a whole system, nation-wide approach to tackling gambling harms.
End of page.
You may also like:
Written by:
Sara Redmond, Chief Officer of Development
Published: 20/06/2024
Our Chief Officer, Sara Redmond, spoke to Reform Scotland about the fundamental shifts required for effective public service reform.
Written by: Louise Shaw, Community Co-ordinator, Corra Foundation
Published: 14/06/2024
When time is so precious, it should be spent with family, not fighting a system that is supposed to help us.
Written by:
Lauren Ferrier, Events and Communications Officer
Published: 10/06/2024
Read about the impact visits carried out as an extension of our annual conference, ‘Our Voice, Our Rights, Our Future’.
Written by: David Reilly, Chief Executive, Baillieston Community Care
Published: 06/06/2024
Calico House Respite Service is a short stay respite care service that provides short respite holidays to caregivers and disabled people.
Written by: Jennifer Forsyth, Policy and Evidence Manager, Obesity Action Scotland
Published: 31/05/2024
Jennifer Forsyth, Policy and Evidence Manager of Obesity Action Scotland, tells us why promotions of HFSS products need regulating now.
Written by: Chris Leslie, Digital Storytelling Manager, Scottish Book Trust
Published: 27/05/2024
Sharing our experiences is good for our wellbeing.
Written by:
Charlotte O’Brien
Published: 13/05/2024
It’s been a busy few weeks at Holyrood.
Written by:
Grace Beaumont, Self Management Programme Manager
Published: 08/05/2024
Self Management Programme Manager Grace reflects on how the Health and Social Care Academy’s 5 Ambitions support better self management.
Written by: Jamie Spiers, Senior Solicitor, Scottish Child Law Centre
Published: 26/04/2024
Jamie Spiers reflects on the barriers for children in accessing their rights and calls for robust rights-based training in schools.
Written by: Caroline Brocklehurst, Peer Leader and Facilitator
Published: 22/04/2024
ALLIANCE and Self Management Network Scotland member Caroline Brocklehurst describes her journey since accessing peer support.
Written by:
Sarah Dick, Development Officer
Published: 22/04/2024
Can empathy address human rights opposition and fatigue?
Written by: Keira O’Sullivan, Reading is Caring Coordinator, Scottish Book Trust
Published: 19/04/2024
‘This is such a beautiful way to bring in an element that’s vital to someone’s happiness.’ Professional Care Partner.
Written by: Sarah Asher, Research and Engagement Officer, Connecting Carers
Published: 19/04/2024
A lived experience perspective is needed to develop services and amplify the voices of unpaid carers of all ages in Highland.
Written by: Kelly Muir, Senior Health Improvement Officer, Public Health Scotland
Published: 15/04/2024
Kelly Muir reflects on the barriers for people with no recourse to public funds when accessing the right to health.
Written by:
Grace Beaumont, Programme Manager – Self Management
Published: 11/04/2024
Self Management Programme Manager Grace reflects on the fifteenth anniversary of Gaun Yersel, the Self Management Strategy for Scotland.
Written by:
Chris Mackie
Published: 02/04/2024
Automated reminder emails to users have started, following the most recent technical improvements to ALISS.
Written by: Jane-Claire Judson, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
Published: 02/04/2024
For many the nightmare of Long Covid is something they live with every day.
Written by:
Lewis Shaw, Sensory Hub Officer (Visual Impairment)
Published: 12/03/2024
Promoting rights awareness through accessible information and the voice of lived experience.
Written by:
Sara Redmond
Published: 27/02/2024
The third sector’s economic contribution and development seems to be too often overlooked.
Written by:
Chris Mackie
Published: 22/02/2024
Digital Assistant Director, Chris Mackie reflects how the lack of an appropriate sticker led to the destruction of medical records.
Written by: Dr Liza Morton
Published: 21/02/2024
“Because no one put a sticker on them.”
Written by: Professor Alan Miller
Published: 16/02/2024
Why it matters to you to participate in the public consultation on ‘A draft outline Charter of Rights for People Affected by Substance Use’.
Written by: Dr Tony Robertson, People’s Health Movement
Published: 15/02/2024
Dr Tony Robertson reflects on how we make the right to health a reality for everyone.
Written by: Dr Liza Morton
Published: 14/02/2024
Over 12 million people live with Congenital Heart Disease globally with a population of 20,000 in Scotland.
Written by:
Rory Chapman, Development Officer
Published: 31/01/2024
Rory Chapman (Development Officer) reflects on the What Matters to You National Networking Event
Back to all opinions