Question reference: S6W-00690
- Asked by: Alex Cole-Hamilton, MSP for Edinburgh Western, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 14 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Kevin Stewart on 24 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what support it offers to people with gambling addiction.
Answer
Gambling has the potential to negatively affect physical, psychological health, and the social functioning of the people who gamble and others around them.
We will continue to consider evidence on what works best to address the issue of gambling harms in Scotland. We are working closely with Public Health Scotland, the third sector and those with lived experience to develop a person-centred approach to treatment for problem gambling and the reduction of gambling related harms. We are collaborating with many organisations across the country to help inform a Scotland focussed gambling strategy to reduce the harmful impacts of problem gambling in our communities.
Anyone with concerns about problem gambling can find advice on NHS Inform or can consult their GP. Out of hours, advice and support can be obtained from NHS24 on 111 or from Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87.