More gambling venues than big supermarkets

The Times
 
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Britain has more gambling premises than supermarkets, with one in five situated in the poorest parts of the country, a report has disclosed.

A study by the University of Bristol and the Standard Life Foundation found that 21 per cent of gambling venues, mainly betting shops, were in the most deprived areas, and only 2 per cent were in the least deprived.

As of last November there were still more gambling premises than the number of shops run by the largest eight supermarket chains, collectively accounting for more than 90 per cent of the market, according to the report.

The study raised “serious concerns for the poorest areas of the country, given that gambling, even at relatively low levels, has been linked to financial problems,