Northern Ireland DfC to Conduct Public Consultation on Problem Gambling Rates

The Department for Communities (DfC) in Northern Ireland is planning to conduct a public consultation on problem gambling rates. CARE NI charity has disclosed more details of the DfC’s proposal.

“It’s crucial this consultation is wide-ranging and focuses on how we can get better information about the scale of problem gambling, as well as reforms to our existing laws,” Mark Baillie, policy officer of CARE NI charity said.

The department’s permanent secretary Tracy Meharg has written to CARE NI outlining its intention to carry out a public consultation in the “near future.”

She also vowed to involve all stakeholders and warned the exercise must not be tipped in favour of the gambling industry.

It comes two years after DfC published the results of a major gambling survey. It showed the rate of problem gambling in Northern Ireland is four times higher than in England, three times that in Scotland and double the level in Wales.

Earlier this month Northern Ireland Office (NIO) parliamentary under-secretary Lord Duncan described the levels of problem gambling here as “extraordinary” while speaking in the House of Lords.