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Bradford is preparing to launch a new campaign to reduce gambling harm, after a council report estimated “problem” gambling costs the district £13.7m a year. The campaign is expected to roll out in the coming weeks and will target people aged 18 to 34.
The numbers on the ground are still high
The council report said Bradford district has 139 premises holding gambling permits. That is only two fewer than at the end of January 2025. It also said 58 of those premises are betting shops, bingo halls or casinos primarily dedicated to gambling, with a high proportion located in more deprived areas.
Teen exposure is rising, and unregulated play is a big driver
The report points to growing exposure among teenagers. It cites national research showing a rise in gambling participation among 11 to 17-year-olds. In that data, 30% said they had spent their own money on gambling in the past year, up from 27% the year before. The same research reported an increase in unregulated gambling, rising from 15% to 18%.
“Bookies’ Row” shows how hard it is to stop clustering
Broadway in Bradford city centre has become known as “Bookies’ Row” after a fifth betting shop opened there. The opening means five of the six units on the row now operate as betting shops.
The council report highlights that the local authority refused the planning application for the fifth shop, but a government Planning Inspector later overturned that decision after Jennings Bet won an appeal. The inspector said that, given the existing number of gambling venues already on the street, another shop was unlikely to have any significant effect on people or their choices.
What the campaign will focus on
The council report says the campaign will highlight the psychological and social impact of gambling addiction, explain commercial tactics used by gambling companies, and promote support services for people affected by gambling harm.
Source: BBC News
