UK's poorest areas have ten times the number of betting shops as richest

23 August 2021, 08:51

Betting shops still account for almost half of all UK gambling.
Betting shops still account for almost half of all UK gambling. Picture: Alamy

By Elizabeth Haigh

The UK’s most deprived areas are home to over 10 times the number of betting shops as the country's most affluent areas, new research has found.

A study by the University of Bristol, backed by the Standard Life Foundation, has shown that only two per cent of betting shops in the UK are in the most affluent 10 per cent of communities.

Meanwhile, more than two in 10 of the premises are found in the most deprived areas, including Glasgow, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and parts of London.

The research also discovered that half of the UK’s gambling treatment centres are located within 250 metres of their nearest betting shop.

Prior to the pandemic, almost half of all gambling in the UK took place in physical shops, equating to around £5 billion being spent annually.

Read more: Bet365 boss earned £469 million in one year

In-person gambling equated to around £5 billion a year before the pandemic.
In-person gambling equated to around £5 billion a year before the pandemic. Picture: Alamy

"Problem gambling is a public health issue, causing serious harm to people's finances, livelihoods and relationships," Standard Life Foundation chief executive Mubin Haq said.

"Those with the least resources are being targeted more, with twice as many gambling venues on their doorstep as supermarkets.

"If we are to truly level up, the new gambling reforms currently being considered must take into account the geography of gambling venues and give local authorities more control over licensing."

Read more: 'Worst online supermarket' for fresh groceries named by Which?

Half of all gambling treatment services are located within 250 metres of a betting shop.
Half of all gambling treatment services are located within 250 metres of a betting shop. Picture: alamy

Jamie Evans, senior research associate at the University of Bristol, said: "The research highlights the clear mismatch between the amenities available in 'left behind' areas, compared with those that are more affluent.

"Rather than having greater access to the facilities, services and opportunities that help people to improve their lives, those in more deprived communities are disproportionately faced with choices that can often prove harmful.

"While the gambling industry may offer some much-needed employment in these areas, it usually takes much more than it gives, leaving a legacy of greater hardship and increased social problems."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Breaking
LBC BREAKING

'Significant' damage after Russia targets Chernobyl with 'high explosive drone'

JD Vance has warned the US could take military action against Russia.

US threatens Russia with military action if Ukraine peace talks fail as Putin hits Chernobyl with 'high-explosive warhead'

Ilian Velazquez travelled to the UK to live with her dead partner.

Cuban woman given UK visa to visit boyfriend who had already died

Exclusive
File photo of the signs on the Jobcentre Plus office in Lisson Grove, north west London.

Jobcentre staff 'bitten and attacked with screwdrivers', as 90% of security guards face 'dangerous incidents' at work

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire after complaining about her "psychotic and possessive" boss.

Soldier, 19, found dead in room begged ‘infatuated’ boss ‘I want to live my life’

The gas would have to be extracted via fracking

Giant gas field discovered under UK that 'could fuel the country for a decade'

Donald Trump has been accused of 'appeasement'

Ukraine’s future at stake as world leaders gather in Munich - with Trump accused of ‘appeasing’ Putin

Una Crown

Bloody fingernails of murdered widow, 86, help convict killer 12 years after she was stabbed and set on fire at home

President Donald Trump

Donald Trump says he trusts Putin and that Russia should return to G7 - labelling Moscow's expulsion 'a mistake'

Kanye West, left, and Bianca Censori arrive at the 67th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Kanye West and Bianca Censori 'split' days after Grammys scandal - as rapper releases bizarre message

Near-Earth asteroid, artwork

NASA scientist reveals list of countries that face being hit by huge 'city killer' asteroid the size of Big Ben

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Ukraine admits it 'won't accept' US-Russia deal without seat at table

'Uncle Sam isn't Uncle Sucker,' US tells Nato - as Zelenskyy says Trump-Putin deal to end war 'must involve Ukraine'

This illustrative image shows Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and United States President Donald Trump (right).

Donald Trump is 'setting preconditions for withdrawing from NATO', his former advisor tells LBC

Semina Halliwell

Girl, 12, who died of overdose after reporting being raped was 'betrayed' by authorities, mother claims

Farishta Jami, 36, pictured, pledged allegiance to Islamic State and had a 'clear interest in the use of children in warfare'

British mother, 36, who tried to move family to Afghanistan to become ISIS martyrs found guilty of terror offences

Jaysley Beck, 19, was found dead at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire

Soldier, 19, 'pinned down' by sergeant 'lost faith' after his only punishment was writing apology letter