Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Undercover in Britain’s bookies
New figures seen by BBC Panorama show there has been a rise in violent crime in betting shops since the introduction of the Gambling Act five years ago.
Police statistics obtained under Freedom of Information show violent crime in betting shops in Britain rose by nine per cent between 2008 and 2011.
Betting shop managers told the programme they believed one cause was high stake, fast-paced gaming terminals.
Presented by Sophie Raworth, Panorama went undercover to test those claims.
Panorama: Gambling Nation is on BBC One, Monday, 5 November at 20:30
Video here
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on
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Michael thanks for posting this. It's likely to be of interest to those opposed to the oil slck of betting shops that have arisen since the Gambling Act 2005, nationally, but especially in poorer areas. And also to those opposed to a betting shop at the Coliseum in particular.
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Permalink Reply by John D on
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Was out. sorry. Did they give the answer ? Context is important when quoting statistics.
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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Here is Cllr Karen Alexander interviewed this morning on BBC Radio London in connection with this Panorama:
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Permalink Reply by NIck and Lizzy on
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Well done Karen Alexander and all the 'Coliseum' campaigners.
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Permalink Reply by L F T Snowflake on
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yes, am going to watch that. I'll pop in on my way home too.
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I caught the latter half of the programme. I was struck by the assertions of the gambling 'industry' and the interviews with gambling company spokesmen. Words, all words. Mock concern. Pious statements costing nothing. Cheap and nasty.
If the 'industry' was serious about addressing the problem of problem gamblers, they would fund it to a level far above they do currently. The impression is left of a token effort, intended for PR reasons: look, we really do care. The 'industry' is well able to contribute more, but if they were to fund GamCare etc. to an adequate level, it would only serve to draw attention to the size of the problem.
Even the need for Gamcare ought to be seen as an indictment of the business. Greengrocers have not felt the need to start up an organisation for those suffering from fruit and vegetable addiction.
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Permalink Reply by 33san1zm5plt3 on
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It was a very interesting programme, and in part very correct about the FOBT's that are taking over the industry.
I just wish that they did not refer to the problem as a "gambling industry" problem. Not all gambling outlets work in such an irresponsible manner. The casino operators in the UK are one of the most "socially aware" in the world. All casino staff are professionallly trained and the processes put in place to enforce the Governements three gambling objectives are exhaustive.
Just a point on the "contribution" of .05% to Gamcare, the £5m, it is still alot more that other idustries contribute to other addictions.
Say Tesco, Asda etc. all the off licences, all the pubs and bars and every outlet that sold alcohol contributed such a figure to the NHS to deal with alcoholism, i imagine the NHS would be i a lot better place financially to assist those suffering from this addiction.
Facts and figures are easy and it is very easy to make a documentary and spin it which ever way they like, there is always an agenda such programmes.
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