Trial 'Not Enough' To Tackle North East Gambling

Campaigners say allowing gamblers to ban themselves from the bookies will not work in the North East.

It's as a trial is rolled out in Scotland where gambling addicts can fill out self-exclusion forms for ALL local betting shops.

Figures claim Newcastle has the second highest density of betting machines in the country.

Adrian Parkinson is from Campaign for Fairer Gambling.

He told Metro Radio, although new measures allowing addicts to exclude themselves from all local betting shops with one phone call is welcome...it doesn't get to the heart of the problem.

"When somebody self excludes, they've reached the bottom. When they get to that point telling betting shop staff, I have a serious problem here and I need your help, it's not enough for the company to say right, sign this form and you're excluded. It isn't enough. These people have to be sign-posted to proper help."