Southampton City Council has become the first city-status authority to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), a group of more than 30 organisations calling for tougher restrictions on gambling advertising.
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The council says an estimated 22,110 adults in Southampton experience harmful gambling, with a further 15,053 affected by someone else’s behaviour. By joining CEGA, it has pledged to raise awareness of the risks, ensure residents know where to get support, and prevent gambling promotions from appearing on council-owned advertising screens.
Cllrs Marie Finn and Gordon Cooper. Photo: SCC/CEGA
Cll Marie Finn (Lab, St Denys), cabinet member for adults and health, said: “We’re really pleased to be the latest member of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads. The negative harms caused by gambling, whether it’s physical, financial, mental or social, are all heavily influenced by gambling advertising. We’re passionate about making Southampton safer, healthier and more equal for our residents.”
Gordon Cooper (Lab), a councillor for Bitterne Park, said: “Now is the time for us to recognise the gambling harms in our city and for us to work together with partners and communities across the city, using best practice, to reduce the harm that comes from gambling. It is our ambition to raise the profile of local action and ensure that those who are particularly at risk have the right support available to them.”
Anyone affected by gambling can contact the specialist treatment service run by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust via email on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.