Problem gambling
Councils are reviewing gambling policies and advocating for national reform to address problem gambling.
Barking and Dagenham's Licensing and Regulatory Committee discussed its draft gambling licensing policy for 2026-2029 in July 2026, noting arrangements for public consultation. This follows Hounslow Council's vote in November 2025 to join a coalition of local authorities advocating for national gambling reform, supporting six recommendations from a Social Market Foundation report.
Councils are also reviewing their local gambling policies, which they are required to do every three years under the Gambling Act 2005. Tower Hamlets Council decided in September 2025 to maintain its existing ban on casinos while reviewing its policy. Lambeth Council's Licensing Committee approved a public consultation in September 2025 on its updated Gambling Policy for 2025-2028, which will also maintain its resolution against issuing casino licences. No upcoming council meetings are currently scheduled to discuss problem gambling.
Key facts
- Hounslow Council voted in November 2025 to back national gambling reform. Source
- Hounslow Council resolved in November 2025 to support six recommendations from the Social Market Foundation's report. Source
- Tower Hamlets Council decided in September 2025 to maintain its existing ban on casinos. Source
- Lambeth Council's Licensing Committee approved a public consultation on its Gambling Policy in September 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.