Glasgow Councilor Calls for Clarity on UK Gambling Levy Allocation

The UK government’s recently proposed statutory gambling levy has drawn questions from Glasgow councilor Laura Doherty, who is calling for much-needed clarity on how funds will be distributed and how they will benefit affected communities. As the city faces rising rates of gambling-related harm, Doherty has emphasized the need for a fair share of resources allocated to Glasgow’s most vulnerable communities.

Scotland Must Receive Its Fair Share

Last month, the UK government announced plans to introduce a mandatory levy on the gambling sector, raising £100 million ($127,5 million) annually from operators. The funding will go to research, prevention, and treatment programs tackling gambling-related harms. This new statutory system will replace the current voluntary contribution model, which has faced criticism as some operators reportedly contribute as little as £1 per year.

Speaking for GlasgowLive, Doherty, who serves as Glasgow’s gambling harms lead, acknowledged the levy as a step forward but noted that more information was needed about the mechanism for rolling it out in Scotland. Doherty was concerned about ensuring Scotland receives fair funding, noting that half of the funds raised through the levy are expected to go toward treatment programs.

I also have questions on how it will benefit communities. How the money is going to be allocated is the big question.

Laura Doherty, Shettleston councilor

Doherty also said she would like to see how the levy works in England before settling on Scotland’s approach. North London could be one of the first jurisdictions to experience these updates as the local council asks the government to implement “urgent reforms” to address gambling-related harms and the rapid proliferation of casinos and betting shops.

Poorer Communities Remain Most at Risk

Glasgow has one of the highest concentrations of bookmakers in the UK, with venues proliferating across disadvantaged areas. Official figures indicate that one in 15 inhabitants, roughly 45,000 people, are likely to experience problem gambling. Doherty highlighted the concerning pattern of gambling establishments situated near schools and youth centers, exacerbating their societal impact.

Glasgow is best positioned as a city to develop a UK center of excellence in addressing gambling harms, to fund research, education, and treatment of gambling harms.

Laura Doherty, Shettleston councilor

According to Doherty, there is a correlation between gambling outlets and other “environmental bads,” such as fast food, tobacco, and alcohol retailers, which all have disproportional effects on low-income communities. Additional funding targeting these populations could be vital, especially after an alarming report by Public Health England revealed an estimated 0.5% of the population were problem gamblers and another 3.8% were at risk. 

We must see equitable funding come directly to Scotland and Glasgow in order to fund treatment and support its work on addressing gambling harms.

Laura Doherty, Shettleston councilor

The debate in Glasgow comes as other UK regions take steps to address gambling-related harm. West Sussex, for example, is enhancing age verification regulations and prohibiting credit facilities in casinos and bingo halls. While the mandatory levy promises significant improvements in combating gambling harm, the initiative’s success will depend on its equitable and transparent implementation.