Gambling Harms
Brent Council is advancing a new strategy to tackle gambling harms, as other councils declare emergencies and discuss their approaches to the issue.
In November 2026, Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed a draft strategy to tackle gambling harms, which will now go to the Cabinet for final approval. The strategy notes Brent has higher rates of gambling harm than average, with the economic cost estimated at £14.3 million in 2022.
Other councils are also addressing the issue. In October 2026, Barnet Council declared a gambling harms emergency, while Haringey Council's Adults & Health Scrutiny Panel discussed its approach. Lambeth Council's Health and Wellbeing Board focused on a new levy-funded initiative in September 2026.
Gambling harms refer to the negative consequences of excessive gambling on individuals and communities. Councils are examining these impacts, with Brent noting its borough has one of London's highest numbers of gambling premises. Kingston upon Thames also held a discussion on gambling harm in May 2026.
Key facts
- Brent Council's Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed a draft strategy to tackle gambling harms in November 2026. Source
- The economic cost of gambling in Brent was estimated at £14.3 million in 2022. Source
- Brent has higher rates of gambling and gambling-related harm than the national and London averages. Source
- Brent has one of the highest numbers of gambling premises in London. Source
- The economic cost of gambling in Brent was estimated at £2 million in 2012. 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 12 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.