I’d like to thank Darren Millar for bringing forward this debate today and all Members for their valuable contributions. I’m really pleased to see that there is cross-party support for addressing the issue of problem gambling in Wales. Whilst we know that many people participate in gambling activities without any apparent problems, we also know that for some people gambling becomes an addiction that leads to harmful health and social impacts. I think Darren has shared with us some very powerful stories today—the stories of Sarah, Joseph, Omair and others.

Whilst the prevalence of problematic gambling is low, the health and social impact is significant, and it disproportionately affects more disadvantaged people, who are five times more likely to develop problem gambling. The impact of gambling on individuals includes the inability to function at work, and financial problems that can lead to homelessness. The harm from gambling to the wider society includes fraud, theft, loss of productivity in the workforce and the cost of treating this addiction.

It’s estimated that for every person with a gambling problem a further six to 13 people will be affected and this can include family members, friends and work colleagues. I can assure you that, as a Government, we are working across portfolios to identify the actions that we can take to reduce the prevalence of problem gambling and limit the impact it has on the health of people in Wales and on wider society.

Although the regulation and licensing for gambling is not devolved to Wales, the Wales Act does provide for Welsh Ministers and the Assembly to have new powers in relation to fixed-odds betting terminals, and we’ll be exploring this further from April 2018 when we expect the full provisions of the Act to commence.

The Welsh Government’s national planning policy seeks to sustain and enhance vibrancy—