The Social Market Foundation has released a proposal to classify problem gambling as a public health priority in the United Kingdom. The report recommends establishing a national gambling database and requiring local authorities to integrate gambling harm strategies into public health policies.
Data Collection and Treatment Capacity
The SMF outlines a framework that mirrors existing approaches to alcohol misuse, drug addiction, and tobacco consumption. Central to the plan is a nationwide database designed to collect data from all Integrated Care Boards regarding gambling-related harm and treatment pathways. The foundation also advises NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care to guarantee consistent treatment capacity across the country.Under the proposed measures, local councils would face a legal requirement to address gambling harm in public health strategies, matching obligations for alcohol and smoking cessation. Medical professionals would incorporate standard gambling questions into routine patient assessments to enable early risk identification.
The SMF notes that current support systems operate in isolated sectors, resulting in inconsistent regional approaches and limited long-term planning.
The recommendation follows last year’s guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which advised general practitioners to screen patients for gambling issues. While only 2.7 per cent of UK adults currently meet the criteria for problem gambling, the SMF emphasizes preventive measures to maintain this rate.
The proposal references international models, including New Zealand’s 2023 healthcare integration strategy and Norway’s four-year plan involving financial and family support staff. The SMF previously advocated for increased taxation on Category B slot machines and played a role in the Remote Gaming Tax increase introduced in April.