South Tyneside Council assesses new gambling policy

The borough’s authorities will conduct a public consultation until September 30th about a new gambling policy in the area.

UK.- Before imposing a new gambling policy across the borough, the South Tyneside Council is looking to gather people’s opinions on the potential change. That’s why a public consultation will be conducted until September 30th, prior to the approval of the measure in January 2019.

The policy to be analysed includes a new focus on public health and is set to include the provision of contact numbers to licenced gambling venues to raise concerns about child sexual exploitation and to also maintain distinctions between different types of gambling providers. It will run between 2019-2022 and is part of the councils’ compliance to the Gambling Act (2005), which urges them to follow objectives such as the reduction of crime and disorder and ensuring gambling is fair while protecting vulnerable people.

In addition, the policy will advise applicants of the recent Government review of fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) which will reduce maximum stakes from £100 to £2.

The consultation was approved to be conducted over the course of 10 weeks and will involve inquiries to residents, businesses, councillors, MPs and a range of organisations.