“We must ensure the protection of public health before the interests of private betting companies”
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.
By Devon McCole | Photos by Karen Gordon
Last week we hosted an event in the Roma Cultural Centre on gambling harms in Scotland.
The event brought together local organisations, along with charities from outside the Southside, to discuss the prevalence of gambling harm, its impact on our communities and increasing inequalities across Scotland.
Councillor Laura Docherty opened the event with a keynote speech addressing the consequences of problem gambling and the government’s failure to protect people over profit, particularly in relation to their lackluster regulation of the gambling industry:
“Struggling to make ends meet, children growing up in households burdened by debt and individuals facing devastating mental and financial consequences of problem gambling. While gambling can be a source of entertainment, for many, it leads to devastating consequences.
“We can’t ignore the role of the government in this. In 2005 the UK government dramatically liberalised gambling laws, allowing the industry to expand at a rapid pace with minimal regulation. This was done in the name of business and economic growth, but at what cost?
“We must put people before profit, we must ensure the protection of public health before the interests of private betting companies. This isn’t just a political issue, it’s a moral one.”
But what is being done in our communities to prevent or support people who’ve suffered from gambling harms?
In our latest issue, ‘Hidden Lives’, we wrote about how we brought together a group of women of all backgrounds and ages, with lived experience of the negative impacts of gambling, to share their experiences and work on solutions together.
Attendee reading the gambling articles in the ‘Hidden Lives’ issue of Greater Govanhill
We helped them develop their writing skills on a community reporter training programme funded by GambleAware’s Improving Outcomes Fund and in February their written work was published in our magazine.
Eve Livingston, who facilitated the journalism workshops, hosted a panel with three of the participants to talk about what they did, what they learned and, crucially, what they plan to do with their newfound skills and confidence going forward.
Lindsey McLatchie, who wrote an article called ‘Elevating children’s rights in the fight against gambling harms’, and based it on her lived experience when she was younger, said: “If anyone’s ever thinking about taking part in a course from them please do because it was a safe, supportive and caring environment that allowed a lot of people to really open up.
“I have to say, it’s changed me as a person. It’s made me confront a lot of my old demons, it’s made me realise that it wasn’t my shame. The shame stopped me speaking about it and seeking support for myself to heal from it. It’s in the past now and I’m moving forward.”
Lindsey also spoke about interviewing James Docherty, chair and lead for the Violence Reduction Unit, who told her:
"We need to uphold these rights because the gambling industry, especially online, are robbing children of their rights and we are all culpable for letting it happen.”
Cat Cochrane, who has “a 15 year gambling experience”, and who wrote a personal story called ‘What I’ve learnt as a female gambler’ spoke of what the workshops have helped her realise: ”It was cathartic for us all. I met women who were on the other end experiencing harm through a loved one's gambling, and it made me think about the harm I caused. It was the first time a mirror had been put in front of me, but also showed me how I can grow. Being in recovery and taking part in the course allowed me to do that.”
Rabia answered the open call, interested at first in the journalism aspect of the course, but met people through the course who, as she said “were faces to some of those issues” she was writing about: “You could walk past us, see us in the street and we’re not some strange people hiding in a dark corner who look different to anyone else. It could be the person sitting next to you, so it doesn’t do any harm to be sympathetic, or not make a throw away comment that may upset someone.
“Having said that, I’ve learned a lot about journalism too and I might go on to do some more, it has whet my appetite. I could go back on the course and do it again, there’s not many courses I could say that about.”
Before the panel came to a close Cat was invited to read a poem to the audience she wrote in recovery about her gambling experience.
Following the panel discussion, Fast Forward, a charity working in prevention and education of gambling and gambling harm in Scotland, presented the co-produced Roma Community Toolkit in partnership with The Space.
The Roma Community Toolkit, which was launched earlier this month, provides essential resources to help Roma communities understand and address gambling harms. This culturally tailored toolkit aims to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and offers practical support for individuals and families affected by addiction, empowering communities to take action and support one another.
Presentation on the Roma Community Toolkit which launched in March
Copies of the toolkit were available at a table in the room for anyone present who may find it useful, whether for their professional or personal use.
Then Simon Community Scotland, who support adults and young adults who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness by providing support and advice, presented a new project, Aila.
Aila is a website that has been developed by women for women experiencing harm from gambling, providing information, support, signposting and sharing stories of lived experience.
The platform offers a safe, non-judgmental space for women to access resources and connect with others, addressing the unique challenges women face with gambling addiction and offering tailored support to help them recover and regain control of their lives.
Together, these initiatives highlight the importance of community-driven solutions to tackle gambling harm. By providing practical resources and a platform for open dialogue, we are empowering individuals to take charge of their recovery and create lasting change.
