Glasgow has ten times more betting shops than the richest parts of the UK
The country has more gambling sites than supermarkets
Last updated 23rd Aug 2021
Glasgow tops the list in a new report revealling the UK's most deprived areas have more than ten times the number of betting shops than the most affluent parts of the country.
A full 21% of gambling premises are found in the bottom tenth of the country, measured by deprivation, while only 2% of the sites are in the top 10% of the least deprived areas, research from the University of Bristol, backed by the Standard Life Foundation.
The report found that Glasgow, Liverpool, Middlesbrough and parts of London had the highest number of betting shops per capita.
More betting shops than supermarkets
Although the number has been declining there were still more gambling sites in Britain than shops run by the big eight supermarket chains put together.
"Problem gambling is a public health issue, causing serious harm to people's finances, livelihoods and relationships,'' said Standard Life Foundation chief executive Mubin Haq.
"Those with the least resources are being targeted more, with twice as many gambling venues on their doorstep as supermarkets.
"If we are to truly level up, the new gambling reforms currently being considered must take into account the geography of gambling venues and give local authorities more control over licensing.''
£5 billion betting shop industry
Around 44% of the UK's gambling was still done in physical locations before the pandemic, with Brits spending around £5 billion in shops.
Jamie Evans, senior research associate at the University of Bristol, said: "The research highlights the clear mismatch between the amenities available in 'left behind' areas, compared with those that are more affluent.
"Rather than having greater access to the facilities, services and opportunities that help people to improve their lives, those in more deprived communities are disproportionately faced with choices that can often prove harmful.
"While the gambling industry may offer some much-needed employment in these areas, it usually takes much more than it gives, leaving a legacy of greater hardship and increased social problems.''