New campaign to combat gambling addiction
BBCA public health campaign warning young people about the risks of gambling is being rolled out across Bradford.
"If I only knew" shares insights from those recovering from addiction and their families and is targeted at 18 to 34 year olds.
It has been developed by national gambling-harm prevention group Chapter One in partnership with Bradford City Council after a report revealed "problem" gambling costs the city £13.7m each year.
The campaign runs until the end of April and is backed by the NHS Northern Gambling Service, which has a clinic in Leeds.
James Grimes, from Chapter One, said: "People often say that we now have casinos in our pockets.
"The truth is that young people from the age of 18 in Bradford, and elsewhere, can access these really addictive products with some safeguards.
"But not enough, and definitely not enough warnings about what might happen if things go wrong."
The 36-year-old began gambling when he was 16 after he placed his first bet with a bookmakers and had a 12-year addiction, including using online sites.
He said: "Anyone can be harmed by gambling and not all gambling is the same.
"It's the stuff that's really accessible, that's really quick.
"You'll probably notice that there are these new 24-hour slot venues where you can go in and play these really fast-paced, addictive slot machines any time of the day.
"I would say to any young person who is worried about gambling, or struggling with gambling, please don't think this makes you a bad or weak person.
"This is not your own fault. There is plenty of help and support available for you."
Bradford district has a potential 16,283 adults at risk of, or experiencing, gambling-related harm, according to Chapter One, which is part of the Gambling with Lives charity, while an estimated 10,302 children live in the same household as an adult who may have support needs.
Craig Blundred, the council's Director of Public Health, said: "Gambling harm is increasingly affecting individuals and families across Bradford, particularly young men.
"This campaign brings those realities into the open.
"By focusing on the commercial determinants of health and elevating the voices of people with lived experience, we hope to reduce stigma, spark conversations, and equip our community with the knowledge to stay safe."
According to the council report, published in February, there are 139 premises holding gambling permits in the district, of which 58 are betting shops, bingo halls or casinos dedicated to gambling, with a high proportion of those located in deprived areas.
Fears have previously been raised about one city centre street dubbed "bookies' row" because of the four betting shops now located there. The street also has a slot machine arcade which runs 24-hours a day.
Dr Matt Gaskell, the service's clinical lead, said: "The public hasn't received sufficient information about the addictive nature of gambling, leaving those harmed feeling blamed and shamed.
"This initiative will reduce stigma and encourage more people to access free support, including with us at the NHS Northern Gambling Service clinic which covers Bradford and West Yorkshire"
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article you can visit the BBC's Action Line pages.
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