7. What plans does the Welsh Government have to tackle gambling addiction in Wales? OAQ(5)0084(FM)

We continue to seek powers to regulate fixed-odds betting machines and we support moves to increase the powers of local authorities in relation to the licensing of new betting shops. People suffering with gambling addiction can access advice and support through their GPs or organisations such as Gamblers Anonymous.

Thank you, First Minister. Gambling addiction can lead to tough emotional, financial and psychological problems that are not often visible until they have reached crisis point. Early intervention and support is crucial. The pioneering gambling risk and harm pilot, carried out by Newport Citizens Advice Bureau, has highlighted that the education of young people is key to reducing the impact of gambling-related harm. What plans does the Welsh Government have to ensure that gambling has the same educational attention as other addictions?

Well, it’s hugely important that people see gambling as an addiction, which it is—in the same way as people see alcohol as an addiction, the abuse of certain drugs as an addiction, it’s hugely important with gambling as well. We are looking at ways in which we can ensure, via our education system, that people understand the dangers of gambling. It would certainly be helpful, of course, from our perspective, if we saw the devolution of powers over certain forms of gambling as well, in order that they might be better regulated.

And finally, Darren Millar.

Diolch, Lywydd. First Minister, I’m very pleased to hear that you want to use the regulatory powers that are available to curb problem gambling in society. You will know that around one in 50 men now is deemed to be a gambling addict, and that is a very concerning figure, and it can have very damaging effects on society. But do you share with me the concern that has been expressed by those who were present at the Living Room Cardiff conference, Beat the Odds, which was held last week in the Pierhead building, that there’s insufficient work being done to develop gambling addiction services here in Wales? We’ve got an excellent one here in Cardiff, supported by the Living Room and CAIS—a charity, of course, that is Wales-wide—but those are not available in all parts of Wales as yet, and there is an opportunity, I believe, to develop them. What work will your Government do to ensure that there is equal access to such services in the future?

The financial inclusion strategy that we have will be looking at how we can develop further ways of helping people to deal with gambling, and helping people to make informed choices about gambling. Not long ago, betting shops were behind closed doors and opaque windows. Now, it’s absolutely everywhere. For those of us with a continuing interest in the European championship, we see, every single advert, where people are even encouraged to cash in before the game has even finished. The digital age has offered fantastic opportunities to the gambling industry, but fantastic opportunities for people to become more addicted than they previously could be. That’s why it’s hugely important to redouble our efforts.

Thank you, First Minister.