West Lothian Council asks public for views on gambling

But in launching a survey the council acknowledges new regulation will have no influence on online sites – the biggest growth area for problem gambling.

However, the council’s policy could be an influence on the sites and number of physical betting shops in a given area.

The Licensing Board is legally required to review its gambling policies every three years.

The consultation started on April 5 and will end on June 5. The Board will then prepare and publish a revised gambling policy for the three years from January 31, 2025.

The Licensing Board is responsible for issuing licences and permits for the following kinds of gambling – bingo, betting shops, dog tracks adult gaming centres with gaming machines for over 18s only, family entertainment centres with gaming machines open to families, club gaming permits for clubs or miner’s welfare institutes, gaming machines in pubs or other licensed premises and travelling fairs.

However, the council stressed the Licensing Board does not have the power to regulate gambling operators and remote gambling, so responses on these areas cannot be considered as part of the consultation.

The move to on-line gambling has seen a big drop in the number of independently owned bookmakers’ and physical betting shops in the last ten years.

Gamblers Anonymous Scotland confirmed: “There is a huge problem with on-line gambling, no doubt, but we are here to help anyone and everyone who has a problem.”

The charity said that some of the people whom it works with have never been in a betting shop.

The spokesperson from Gamblers Anonymous Scotland added: “Yes, online is getting larger and very easy to access but we have no numbers to verify that.”

The convenor of West Lothian’s Licensing Board said the primary responsibility of the council was to ensure fairness and honesty in gambling, as well as legal checks and balances.

Councillor Tony Boyle said: “West Lothian Licensing Board’s gambling policy aims to ensure that any gambling taking place locally is not associated with crime or disorder, is conducted in a fair and open way, and is conducted in a manner which protects children or vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited.

“The consultation has three parts and has been designed for a wide range of people, bodies and organisations.

“Responses are welcomed from everyone with an interest, whether they wish to answer just some or all of the questions.”

The online consultation questionnaire can be accessed by visiting the West Lothian Council website at https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/69113/Licensing-Board-Gambling-Policy-Review-2024.

All responses must be submitted by the deadline on June 5.

If you are worried about your gambling habit, or that of a family member or friend, visit https://ga-scotland.org or contact the 24 hour helpline on 0370 050 8881.