IN his latest column, Steven Broomhead counts the cost of gambling

SIXTY per cent of Warringtonians have spent money on gambling.

I am one of them with the very occasional ‘flutter’ on the horses/lottery.

I learned a great deal as a teenager about the perils of excessive gambling because my father was a turf accountant.

The gambling industry is an important economic driver in the town.

BetFred, based in Birchwood, employs 10,000 people nationwide and has 1,650 offices and a significant ‘online’ presence.

Thankfully the gambling industry now increasingly applies ethical and health considerations to its business practice – although there is always more to be done.

There is little research on the issues of ‘harmful gambling’.

Harmful gambling is defined as any type of repetitive gambling that disrupts or damages personal, family or recreational pursuits.

The World Health Organisation defines it as an addiction.

In our town there is an estimated 150 problem gamblers – who have an impact not only on themselves but the people around them.

It can lead to stress, job loss, financial hardship, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse and poor health.

In our great town we need to build upon the existing gambling policies and the good work of Gamble Aware to give focus and support to the issues.

This should also include attention to the growing issues of online gambling which is a hidden pursuit.

The council has a major part to play in this to ensure that our town is one that is about socially responsible gambling – for instance ensuring that there is not a proliferation of gambling outlets in redundant retail premises.

In a town which has complex political and policy issues all competing for attention in 2019 this is one that needs prioritisation.