Gambling research

Research exploring area-based vulnerability to gambling-related harm    

The Gambling Act 2005 has three licensing objectives: 

• to prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime
• to ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way 
• to protect children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

We have been working to identify and locate Westminster residents most vulnerable to gambling related harm.

In 2015, we partnered with Manchester City Council to commission Geofutures: Gambling and Places Research Hub to undertake research to explore area-based vulnerability to gambling-related harm. 

The research produced this report:   

In addition to the reports, Geofutures has produced an online map case tool so that residents, gambling operators or other interested parties can look more closely at the gambling-related harm risk.

Mapcase tool - Westminster

The research has been used to guide us in revising our Statement of Licensing Principles for Gambling, which defines how we administer and ensure compliance with premises licences under the Act.

This research is also intended to support the gambling industry in identifying local areas of risk to gambling. This will enable each operator to meet the requirements of undertaking and completing local area risk assessments in accordance with the Gambling Commissions Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice.

Care providers can use the outputs from this research for targeted intervention for care provision, education and treatment for those who are most at risk.