Southampton City Council has become the latest local authority, and the first with city status, to join the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) as part of their ambition to reduce gambling-related harms in the city and help create a healthier, more equal city.

The coalition is made up of over 30 organisations who are committed to reducing gambling harm, calling on the UK Government to respond to the evidence and urgently start to restrict gambling advertising.

In Southampton, an estimated 22,110 adults experience harmful gambling and a further 15,053 residents are affected by someone else’s gambling. By joining the coalition, Southampton City Council is committing to raising awareness of the harms of gambling advertising and ensuring that those who are affected know where to go to for help and support. As part of its commitment to keeping residents safe, the council will also ensure council advertising screens do not promote gambling.

Councillor Marie Finn, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

“We’re really pleased to be the latest member of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads. The negative harms caused by gambling, whether it’s physical, financial, mental or social, are all heavily influenced by gambling advertising. We’re passionate about making Southampton safer, healthier and more equal for our residents.”

Councillor Gordon Cooper, Councillor for Bitterne Park, said:

“Now is the time for us to recognise the gambling harms in our city and for us to work together with partners and communities across the city, using best practice, to reduce the harm that comes from gambling. It is our ambition to raise the profile of local action and ensure that those who are particularly at risk have the right support available to them.”

If you, or someone you know, has been affected by gambling, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust offers a specialist treatment service. To find out more, email: hiowh.southerngamblingservice@nhs.net.