Gambling addiction fear over council-run lotteries
In July 2020 we reported on fears over lotteries with jackpots of up to £25,000 being run by local authorities in a bid to raise funds for cultural activities and events in the wake of coronavirus.
People providing addiction support services questioned whether councils were providing a "gateway to gambling".
Get the data
- Google sheet: Council lotteries data
Quotes and interviews
- Chris Hill, from Sidcup, who recovered from a gambling addiction several years ago and runs support services for those battling addiction
- Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University
- Professor Annie Anderson, president, the UK Society of Behavioural Medicine
- Ben Speare, managing director, Gatherwell (lottery provider)
- Mieka Smiles, executive member for culture and communities, Middlesbrough Council
- Spokeswoman, Gambling Commission
Visualisation
- Infographic: Where does my £1 go in a local lottery?
How the pack was used
The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to the wider local news network as part of the Local News Partnerships. Partner uses of the story included:
- Lynn News: ‘Gateway to gambling’ fears raised over council-run lotteries like those in West Norfolk and Breckland 23 July 2020
- Newcastle Chronicle: Northumberland council-run lottery could be 'gateway to gambling' 27 July 2020
- Stroud News: Stroud district lottery set to launch later this year 29 July 2020
- Yorkshire Live: Fears council-run lotteries in Yorkshire with £25,000 jackpots could turn people into gambling addicts 26 July 2020