The proposed site for the betting shop

BOOKMAKERS have been blocked from opening a new betting shop in Caledonian Road on public health grounds.

Councillors refused to grant a licence to JenningsBet amid complaints from residents that there were already enough places to gamble in the area.

The company, which has ceased online betting but is looking to open more high street outlets, was aiming to move into a unit close to the Bemerton estate.

Ladbrokes and Paddy Power are already operating in the road and the Town Hall was warned that a third bookmakers was a step too far.

In messages to councillors, neighbours opposing the new shop said they were concerned about the lack of diversity on the high street and how people struggling during the cost of living crisis could be sucked in to betting.

“There is a substantial community in the local council estates that are on low incomes or benefits,” said one, “and increasing the number of gambling businesses will further exploit these vulnerable people’s dreams of getting ‘quick money’ via gambling and this will only lead to addiction, losses and further crime.”

Matt Smith, head of external affairs at the gambling charity BetKnowMore, said: “At the moment what we’re finding is that, because of the cost of living crisis, more people are going to betting shops to keep warm and to get a cup of coffee.

Cllr John Woolf and, right, Matt Smith of gambling charity BetKnowMore

“The thing about betting shops as well is that they can be a place where the community comes together, but there’s a fine line there. Yes, people can come together and talk to each other, but why isn’t there somewhere else to go? Somewhere that’s properly signposted, where they can get proper support. Gambling is a serious public health issue.

“Harms from gambling can affect people’s health, finances, relationships, and it doesn’t just affect the individual, it affects their families and communities. By putting it on the public health agenda, that enables all of the stakeholders involved in the sector to work closer together and to be able to deal with the harms caused from gambling,” he said.

Mr Smith added: “Typically, people who come to our services have other mental health issues like anxiety or depression, which are a knock-on effect from gambling.

“We also know gambling has a huge stigma attached to it, people don’t want to talk about it.

“Over the past few years, people have become more comfortable talking about alcohol and drugs, but not gambling.”

In its application for the licence, JenningsBet said that posters about safer gambling would be put up in the shop and leaflets on “self-exclusion” from its services. It added that staff would be trained in spotting problem gamblers.

But councillors refused to grant the company permission to open at a meeting earlier this month.
Islington’s community safety chief Labour councillor John Woolf said: “Gambling is a public health issue. Anyone can be vulnerable to addictive gambling, and this health-harming activity can bring potentially devastating consequences for individuals, families, and communities.

“There is a clear correlation between deprivation and higher numbers of gambling premises, and we take our licensing responsibility incredibly seriously and work closely with partners to promote gambling awareness.”

He added: “Each licensing application is considered on its merits, and the council is aware of its legal obligations. Where an application could result in increased risk for vulnerable people, we will consider refusal.”

Islington has already ruled it will not grant any casino licences and has called for a ban on gambling advertisements on public transport.