Gambling - research into social benefits or harm from gambling, gaming, lotteries, games of chance and the UK Gambling Act 2005

This blog is about gambling, gaming, lotteries, raffles, sweepstakes and any other games of chance where money exchanges hands.

Across the UK, in preparation for becoming a Licensing Authority under the Gambling Act 2005, Local Councils are obliged to prepare and publish a "Statement of Licensing Policy" by 31st January 2007. Draft versions of this policy are currently available for consultation and views on it are being welcomed.

When I was asked to submit my views to my Local District Council, I reviewed my position and found that the whole issue of gambling in England and the United Kingdom is a highly complex one.

I therefore decided to carry out some research to identify whether my long held instincts that gambling is a bad thing are justified by reasonable arguments.

I hope that my researches and analysis are useful to others who are similarly trying to resolve the question of whether gambling is a force for good or evil that should be supported or curtailed.

Because I have no religious beliefs, all argument will seek to look at the practical benefits or harm caused to people by these activities.

Also my views are generally liberal so I prefer as little State interference in human liberty that is compatible with preventing harm to individuals in our society.

Lastly, I am resident in the United Kingdom and, although reference may be made to evidence from other countries or jurisdictions, my remarks will be made in the context of the English legal system.

Related links:

gambling, gaming, lottery, lotteries, raffles, raffle, bingo, games, game, chance, sweepstakes, England, UK, united kingdom, Gambling Act 2005, Licensing Authority, Licensing Policy, Local Authorities, Statement of Licensing Policy, legislation, legal system, District Council, liberal, state intervention, government consultation, local government consultation, local government consultations, local government, government