Councils and mayors from across the UK have written to the government calling for urgent reform of gambling laws, citing concerns over the number of slot machine and betting shops opening on high streets.
In a letter seen exclusively by ITV News, 36 councils and two mayors, representing more than 12 million people, describe current gambling laws as “desperately out of date” and urge government action.
Led by Brent Council – and supported by high profile names like Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester – the letter highlights the growing presence of gambling operators and increased gambling-related harm.
The group argues that current laws stop councils from being able to intervene, even if there is strong opposition to new premises being opened on their high streets.
