ABERCONWY AM calls on Welsh Government to tackle gambling addiction
Speaking in today’s Plenary session, Aberconwy Assembly Member, Janet Finch-Saunders urged the Welsh Government to provide more support for the 24,000 pathological gamblers in Wales.
Commenting on the impact of problem gambling in Aberconwy, the AM noted:
“Recent figures published by the Campaign for Fairer Gambling revealed that the people of my constituency, Aberconwy, pump £27.8m into betting terminals alone, resulting in a loss of £1.3m.”
Speaking about the impact that gambling addiction, the Member said:
“As well as spending wages and savings it is common for debt levels to rise as a result in gamblers borrowing and taking out loans to cover losses. Gamblers have a tendency to stay away from school, college or work. And due to their pre-occupation with gambling, many compulsive gamblers find it difficult to maintain relationships.”
Janet Finch-Saunders added:
“Whilst there are early intervention projects in South Wales, I have seen nothing of the sort in North Wales.”
“Early identification and support is essential if addiction is to be avoided and it is the duty of the Welsh Government to engage with the gambling industry and ensure that assistance is accessible to people in every corner of Wales.”
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