Knowsley Tops UK List As Biggest Gambling Location

A new study conducted by Public Health England has revealed some interesting statistics about the United Kingdom’s gambling scene. The Merseyside borough of Knowsley has been labelled as the gambling capital of the country as a result of the study. Yet while being the front and centre focal point of something is often considered a good thing, where Knowsley and the gambling capital status is concerned, it’s not that great. Why? Because Knowsley is also one of the most deprived regions in the country.

According to the report published by Public Health England, residents located in Knowsley are far more likely to engage in gambling than people in other locations around the UK. Not only that, but this occurs with a lot more frequency, despite the fact that it is an area of chronic poverty and a multitude of social issues. When compared with 19 other local authority areas in the UK, gamblers in Knowsley were found to participate in gambling at a much higher level.

Figures show that around 80% of people within the borough of Knowsley have chosen to partake in gambling within the 12 months leading up to the survey being published. Comparative numbers remain quite high, but noticeably lower than Knowsley. The following figures have been released as a comparison:

• Liverpool – 68%
• The Wirral – 67%
• Sefton – 65%
• St Helens – 60%

It is important to note that all of the mentioned areas are within the county of Merseyside. And while the general average number of people gambling is quite high across the United Kingdom, Knowsley has been marked as suffering from a minor betting epidemic. This has frequently been labelled as recreational in its nature, although it seems to actually be a favourite pastime of those in difficult financial situations. Another recent report from Public Health England revealed that problem gambling is estimated to cost £1.27 billion every year.

For additional comparison purposes, the report notes certain areas of the UK where gambling is considerably lower – 23% being the lowest.

Gambling Harm Impacts Poorer Parts of Country

Merseyside flag

The report’s findings suggest that there is quite the link between financial and social deprivation with problem gambling. Knowsley provides a prime example of this, with the borough’s decreasing economy having little impact on halting people from gambling. That being said, it is also key to note that the report clarifies a particular difference between information.

It states that disadvantaged groups are actually less likely to participate in gambling, but they are actually more susceptible to succumbing to gambling-related harm.

If that is the case though, it does little to explain why Knowsley is the gambling capital of the United Kingdom but is also in a social and economical crisis of its own. Instead, the report makes the argument that if there is nothing done to intervene and improve the gambling status in Knowsley and other boroughs of a similar nature, problem gambling will leave a heightened level of economical inequalities behind.

It was only a short time ago that The Guardian newspaper published an article relating to Britain as a whole needing to rein in its gambling activity. Highlighted in that article was the information that gamblers in the United Kingdom lose about £14 billion every single year, and that those who are most socially and economically deprived are at the most risk of suffering at the hands of this. But is it easier to rein this in in the more decadent locations? Judging by the figures released on the number of people engaging in gambling, the answer is most definitely a ‘yes’.

Knowsley Knows About Its Problem

While some boroughs may turn a blind eye to such activity going on within their borders, Knowsley is in the opposite lane. The council is very much aware of the issues and has been working on solutions to tackle it. Alan Shone, who operates as the Consumer Protection Officer for Knowsley Council, spoke on the matter earlier on in 2021, stating that a basic framework has been submitted. A step-by-step approach is being undertaken.

To begin with, it will address and tackle any of the borough’s illegal gambling operations. At the moment, 34 betting shops are active in Knowsley, with the majority of them being located in the area of Huyton. A detailed map is to be constructed of the borough so as to identify where gambling harm occurs in large numbers, and who is impacted by this.

Meanwhile, an area profile for Knowsley is being worked on by the Public Health team and the Licensing Service of the council. This will help to figure out solutions to put into action, which will be applied across the region and on a per-case basis. It will also be the case that special attention will be provided to the areas that require additional help to overcome gambling issues.

Mr Shone also said that changes to the local regulation and compliance have been proposed for the borough. This, he said, would look at action that can be taken on any illegal gambling taking place within. All the propositions for Knowsley were discussed in a cabinet meeting on November 17.

The report was accepted by the cabinet, and after some notes and discussions relating to it, it now moves on to full council for approval. The decision on this will occur on December 15, and then findings of a much more detailed review will be provided in spring of next year. This will provide information on the borough’s most vulnerable gambling zones.  In the meantime Knowsley council recently refused permission for a new Cashino gaming centre in the area in light of the high gambling rates.

While it is true that various specific boroughs in the United Kingdom are suffering under their own gambling addiction issues, the Gambling Commission is currently proceeding with a review of the Gambling Act 2005. A whitepaper for this is expected to be published early next year too, which could introduce more stringent rules on the industry. It is hoped that the new legislation proposed within this will tackle gambling problems across the country.