Concerns over gambling addiction in Spalding

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by Change | 18 Mar 2009

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Local campaigners in Spalding, Lincolnshire, have raised concerns over an increase in the number of betting shops in the town centre, amid fears that it could result in an increase in people seeking out rehab centres for addiction treatment.

Spalding residents have raised concerns over a growing number of bookmakers in the Lincolnshire town, after it was revealed a third is seeking to open for business within yards of two existing betting shops.

Locals are worried that the proliferation of betting shops in the town could contribute to the area's decline and fear it could result in a rise in the number of people heading to rehab centres to tackle their gambling addictions.

"This is not the sort of town centre picture that will draw in visitors," Spalding and District Civic Society's planning officer John Charlesworth told Spalding Today.

He added: "Three betting shops within a stone's throw of each other will hardly enhance the retail variety."

However, William Hill's media manager said the new betting shop would not encourage gambling addictions, pointing out that bookmakers are required by law to provide information offering advice to those believing they have an addiction problem.

He added that staff are also trained to spot the signs of gambling addiction in clients and deal with the problem appropriately.

In the US, gambling addiction has become a major issue and the nation recently held a Problem Gambling Awareness Week, which offered people the chance to find out more information about rehab centres and how to tackle their addiction.

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