16 March 2018
Against the odds
In advance of the implementation of the Gambling Act 2005,the Methodist Church and the Salvation Army are responding to thenew law and highlighting the risks of gambling with a new resource,Against the odds…?
The document offers information and advice on the Gambling Act2005, which comes into effect on 1 September. The Act bringsincreased opportunities to gamble and fewer advertisingrestrictions for gambling operators and Against the odds…? explainsthe new regulations, the many types of gambling and offers aChristian response to the issues.
Anthea Cox, Coordinating Secretary for Public Life and SocialJustice for the Methodist Church, says: "The social cost, toindividuals, families and communities, of problem gambling issomething that deeply concerns us and we fear that as opportunitiesto gamble increase, inevitably so will problem gambling. Thisdocument is a Christian response to the issues and we hope it willbe helpful to those wishing to know more about gambling legislationin the UK, the concerns that surround gambling addiction and theaction Christians may wish to take in looking at the challengesthat gambling brings."
Lieutenant-Colonel Royston Bartlett, Secretary for Communicationsfor the Salvation Army UK and the Republic of Ireland, says:"Problem gambling affects not only the individual, but also theirfriends, family, colleagues and community. Against the odds…? is areminder that we are not powerless in the face of these issues. Itis not just a matter for policy makers - we can all do our part tosupport those with gambling problems and to campaign for greaterprotection for the vulnerable. The document also reminds us that weneed to remain alert to the potential dangers and not to becomecomplacent now that the Act is in place."
Against the odds…? also gives advice on what individuals can do tosupport those with gambling addiction, to increase public awarenessand to raise concerns about casino proposals in their area.
Against the odds…? is available at