“My first memory of gambling was popping into the local bookies on Grand National day aged 18 to lay an each-way bet for me and my mum…It was a man’s world, but I still recall the buzz of placing a potential winner and the desire to come back to collect my winnings after the race. It was like the die was cast.”

A powerful community-led event shed light on the hidden impact of gambling, from financial struggles to mental health crises. With fresh initiatives and a call for stronger regulation, local voices are demanding action.