News / Online gambling a ‘hidden’ problem
Gambling policy was discussed at a meeting of Shetland’s licensing board.
SHETLAND’s relationship with gambling has been brought under the spotlight at Lerwick’s Town Hall – with one councillor suggesting there is a “hidden” problem with online gambling.
The Shetland licensing board agreed on Tuesday to adopt its current statement of gambling licensing principles – which gives potential applicants information on complying with the law – for the next three years.
A new clause will be inserted to state that any applicant for a gambling premises licence will need to have a policy in place to identify people who may be regarded as “vulnerable” and that they will have procedures to refer them to support agencies.
Lerwick North councillor Malcolm Bell said he thought this was a “thoroughly sensible and proportionate” clause to add into the policy statement, which is required under the Gambling Act 2005.
Bell added that while Shetland only has one licensed gambling premises – Lerwick betting shop Shetland Turf Accountants – there is still a problem with gambling locally.
“I think a lot of that is hidden, a lot of it is online,” Bell said.
Shetland South member George Smith argued, however, that without a clear definition of a “vulnerable person”, the new clause would be too subjective to enforce consistently.
Fellow councillor Catherine Hughson also questioned how the clause would be policed in practice, although it was said that it could be similar to how pubs and clubs can decide to refuse patrons if they feel they have had too much to drink.
In addition to the one licensed gambling premises, there are also seven gaming machine permits, one club gaming machine permit, a club gaming permit and 104 small society lotteries (i.e. raffles) registered in Shetland at the moment.
The licensing board, meanwhile, also approved a request from the Sandwick Social Club to allow it to sell alcohol between 8am and 11am on 30 January when it hosts its regular Up Helly Aa breakfast.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
