Barnet’s Labour Council has declared a gambling harms emergency and pledged to draw up a cross-council strategy to tackle it.
The move follows the passing of a motion at a meeting of the Full Council on Tuesday, 20th October.
The new strategy will provide a joined-up approach across licensing, planning, public health, community safety, schools, debt advice and resident support.
The council will also review its advertising policy and calls on the Government to activate local authority’s ability to make Gambling Impact Assessments as quickly as possible.
Such a move will strengthen the ability for councils to block new unwanted gambling facilities.
In recent years attempts have been made to open new gambling outlets in Golders Green unsuccessfully and Edgware successfully against the wishes of many residents.
The Government’s new Gambling Impact Assessments will strengthen communities in pushing back against too many bookmakers and gambling arcades, helping residents to take back control of their high streets.
Councillor Alison Moore, Labour’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Many of us like a flutter, whether it’s a world cup sweepstake or a day out at the races.
“But problem gambling is a health issue, as a serious addiction. It is a poverty issue, given how those struggling to make ends meet can be sucked in. And it is a wellbeing issue, given how it can tear families apart.
“Now is the time for us to take advantage of the reforms that Andy Burnham’s Labour government has brought in, and work as a whole council to tackle this blight on too many people’s lives.”