Brent Council facing £14.3m economic impact of problem gambling

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A local report compiled on the London Borough of Brent has revealed that gambling-related harm is costing the local authority an estimated £14.3m a year. 

The north London area, in which Wembley Stadium is situated, is said to have more than double the national average of problem gamblers and the second highest concentration of gambling venues across all of London.

To learn more, visit our responsible gambling at casinos page which also offers resources and advice on where to seek help if needed. 

As detailed by The Standard, locals are increasingly concerned about the impact and proliferation of the various betting premises, with related issues for civic and political leaders to address. 

In the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA), commissioned by Brent Council, residents expressed fears that the increasing number of gambling venues “threaten the social fabric” of their areas. The presence is particularly prevalent in the borough’s most deprived wards, including Harlesden, Neasden and Willesden.

The local council leader, Muhammad Butt, described the number of new licence applications over the last few years as “grossly unwelcome and inappropriate”, calling on central Government figures to take action to tighten the legislation on the opening of gambling outlets. 

Brent was reported to have a total of 81 licensed venues, making gambling far more accessible than supermarkets, banking, or schools in the vicinity.

The report detailed that 6.2% of Brent residents are considered “problem gamblers”, far in excess of the national mean of 2.9%.

The wider economic impact was estimated at £14.3m, with the visible signs of socio-economic deprivation underlined.

In Harlesden, there are seven gambling outlets within a 600-metre stretch, and more than 10 within a one-mile radius in Willesden. 

Despite the significant number of outlets and local opposition, it appears the saturation point hasn’t yet been reached. 

Conversely, it shows there is a business case for more venues, with more jobs created.

Merkur Slots has applied to open a new adult gaming centre in Neasden, making it the fourth location within 100 metres. 

Is another venue required? Local councillor Liz Dixon is adamant that it is counterproductive to the needs and well-being of the local population, describing Merkur as “exploitative, grossly unwelcome and inappropriate” and accused it of “consistently targeting deprived areas”.

She added that another venue opening its doors will ‘compound these issues’ by fuelling ‘a vicious cycle of harm, addiction, and despair’.

Another fresh application was made by a company to turn the former Lloyds Bank branch in Willesden into a bingo hall. Last month, the proposal was ratified by the planning committee of Brent Council in a contested vote.