Gambling Harms
Councils are currently developing public health strategies and reviewing licensing policies to mitigate gambling harms.
Lambeth Council's Health and Wellbeing Board discussed tackling gambling harms in September 2026, following a report from the Director of Public Health on community engagement and strategic planning. A joint South East London Gambling Harms Needs Assessment is due to be published, which identifies an estimated 41,250 affected adults in Lambeth.
Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking public input on its revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029, aiming to strengthen protections against gambling-related harm. This follows Wandsworth Council's Licensing Committee approving increases to gambling licence fees, effective April 1, 2026. In December 2025, Waltham Forest Council debated a motion calling for local authorities to have more decision-making powers.
Haringey's Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel is scheduled to discuss gambling harms on October 1, 2026. Gambling harms refer to the negative consequences arising from gambling activities, which councils are addressing through various public health initiatives and licensing regulations.
Key facts
- Lambeth's Director of Public Health reported on efforts to tackle gambling harms in September 2026. Source
- Barking and Dagenham Council is seeking public input on its revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy for 2026-2029. Source
- Wandsworth Council's Licensing Committee approved increases to gambling licence fees, effective April 1, 2026. Source
- An estimated 41,250 adults in Lambeth are affected by gambling harms, with 8,110 identified as high risk. Source
- Waltham Forest Council was set to debate a Labour Group motion on gambling harms in December 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. 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.