The signing of this strong commitment puts pressure on the UK Government to restrict gambling advertising and the negative influence this can have on individuals and their families.
There are as many as 8,000 people experiencing gambling harms in Haringey. Another 25,000 people are affected more widely by these harms, for example family and friends.
It is also estimated that gambling harms lose the borough over £8 million in associated harm-related costs every year. These include costs associated with homelessness, adult social care, NHS costs, unpaid rents, and more.
The Coalition (CEGA) is a group of organisations committed to reducing gambling harm by stopping this issue from being promoted.
Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, Cllr Lucia das Neves said:
“We are committed to protecting the wellbeing of our community, and we share the concerns of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads regarding the proliferation of gambling ads.
“The fact that we are the first council the country to push for an end to gambling advertising shows how seriously we take this issue as a borough, and we are doing everything in our power to stop the negative impact this has on thousands of people.”
Cllr Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:
“The steps we have already taken to limit gambling advertising on our own outlets reflect our dedication to this cause. We want to protect our communities and the impact that gambling can have on so many people, not just in Haringey but across the country.
“We recognise the need for further collaboration to address gambling harm on a larger scale and hope many other councils will follow in our footsteps and bring about much needed change.”
Will Prochaska, Director of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, said:
“Haringey’s stand as the first council in the country to join CEGA and call for an end to gambling ads nationally should be applauded.
“Councils don’t have adequate powers to protect their citizens from the predatory gambling industry, but they do have a powerful voice nationally. It’s important now that more councils follow Haringey’s lead.”
In Haringey, the council work with communities to offer support to anyone experiencing gambling harms. This includes dedicated and tailored support to individuals, early intervention work in schools, and help with debt and refinancing where necessary.
Haringey regularly brings together partners, residents, and council staff to the Haringey Gambling Harms Reduction Network meetings, to ensure they are educated and constantly updated on the latest practices.
This is in line with the ‘Haringey Deal’ approach of working with residents to co-produce solutions to deep-seated problems.
