Gambling has become part of modern live and as technology has evolved betting has never been easier.
Just by watching TV it seems that you are bomb barded with odds and places where you can bet online and play other games that promise you the chance to win big money.
Playing poker online has become a past time for millions of people and the celebrity games that are broadcast on numerous channels help make gaming appear glamorous.
With the massive returns for the companies who offer services where by people can stake money in the hope of winning big it is enabling these businesses to become household names drawing millions of people onto their platforms.
The National Lottery again is another example of how gambling in the UK has become socially acceptable, unlike betting offices you only need to be sixteen years of age to play the lottery, an age where you not hold enough to drink or drive or even vote and in the eyes of the law are not viewed as an adult.
It seems East Riding of Yorkshrie Council are looking to address the issues on a local level, in a statement released by the council today they have announced they are to launch an accreditation scheme to that aims to raise standards on gaming premises within the East Riding, promoting social responsibility and public health issues.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell, cabinet portfolio holder for community involvement and performance, has expressed her concerns, she said:
“Research has shown that by 2015, the UK online gambling industry will have doubled in size since 2008 and will be worth over £2.74 billion with over 2,500 online gaming websites to choose from.”
You do not need to be on a computer to access such sites. Smart phones allow people to gamble on go whether that be through playing poker, bingo or betting on a sporting fixture, Cllr Cracknell, goes on to say;
“We are very concerned with the increase in online gaming and the detrimental impact on people’s lives if they become addicted, leading in some cases to debt and impacting on health through stress and depression.”
“However, the council has little control over online gaming, so we are pleased to be working closely with local businesses to ensure gaming, and use of our seaside arcades, remain an exciting and pleasurable experience.”
“By raising awareness of the issue with young people directly, the council hopes to address any concern’s children or parents may have about online gaming and help them make informed choices and avoid becoming addictive gamblers in the future.”
Gamble Aware the organistaion that aims to promote responsible gaming said that 73% of the adult’s in the UK gamble at least once while over half a million people in the UK have a gambling problem.
Paul Bellotti, of East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“The council has a positive working relationship with the gaming and betting industry and hopes to strengthen this further through the implementation of the East Riding of Yorkshire Gaming Accreditation Scheme.
“The aim of this joint initiative is to recognise existing good practice within the industry locally and, through partnership working, ensure standards remain at the high level we currently have across the East Riding.
“The scheme may benefit members through a reduction in their licensing fees and fewer formal inspections.”
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