FIXED ODDS BETTING TERMINAL USE AND PROBLEM GAMBLING

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  FIXED ODDS BETTING TERMINAL USE AND PROBLEM GAMBLING ACROSS THE LIVERPOOL CITY REGION

• IRAS ID

  136621

• Contact name

  Alex Scott-Samuel

• Contact email

  alexss@liverpool.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  University of Liverpool

• Research summary

  Liverpool Public Health Observatory (LPHO) have been commissioned by Merseyside Directors of Public Health to look at problem gambling and Fixed Odds Betting Terminal (FOBT) use across the Liverpool City Region (LCR). The project will;
  •Provide background evidence to understand the extent of FOBT use and problem gambling across the LCR, and possible reasons for this.
  •Inform action by local Licensing Teams to better regulate betting shops and numbers of FOBTs.
  •Facilitate lobbying of local MPs and central government to make national changes to legislation (planning and licensing) to combat issues relating to FOBTs.
  •Inform the potential development of a voluntary code with retailers / bookmakers to encourage responsible gambling and promote support services available for problem gamblers.
  •Investigate the availability and adequacy of local support services for those with gambling and related problems.

  The project will involve;

  * A review of relevant literature.
  * Mapping of existing services for those who have experienced problems with gambling.
  * An online survey for council employees across the LCR, in order to find out more about prevalence of FOBT use.
  *A pro forma will be sent to bookmakers/retailers, to find out how much is being spent in the LCR on FOBT use, as well as on traditional betting methods.
  *Interviews will be conducted with people who have had probelms with gambling, and staff who work with them, to look at adequacy of existing support, and ways to improve this. Interviewees may be include people who have used debt advice agencies, CAB, Gamblers Anonymous, NHS mental health services etc.

  We aim to complete the project by Spring 2014. On completion of the project, a final report will be produced, which will include recommendations based on the project findings. Copies of report will be sent to key stakeholders, and it will be available on LPHO website

• REC name

  North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  13/NW/0781

• Date of REC Opinion

  3 Dec 2013

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion