Gambling

NICE guidelines are currently under development for the identification, assessment, and management of harmful gambling with an expected publication date of May 2024.

Regionally, services to support people experiencing problem gambling include NECA, the NHS Northern Gambling Service satellite clinic in Sunderland and Gamblers Anonymous. Treatment interventions range from brief advice to a course of treatment sessions and can include the use of a models of care approach, motivational interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). ‘GambleAware’ provide a national telephone helpline and online support.

The North Tyneside licensing strategy abides to the regulations set out in the Gambling Act (2005), similarly to other strategies across the North East region. The Gambling Act (2005) has three main aims:

• Prevent gambling from being a source of crime and disorder
• Ensure gambling is conducted in a fair and open way
• Protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling

The current North Tyneside licensing strategy was agreed by Cabinet in October 2021. The strategy looks to meet the aims of the Act with a variety of measures including test purchasing. A risk-based inspection programme targets high-risk and problem premises. If test purchasing exercises are failed, then education and further visits are provided. The licensing strategy covers premises and does not regulate online gambling.