Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, spoke in a Parliamentary debate on the proliferation of gambling last week.

Dave highlighted his concerns over the operation of a relatively new form of gambling, the postcode lottery, saying: “I highlight a new form of lottery that I think is particularly distasteful—the postcode lottery. Members might find that strange, but in that model of gambling everyone in the country is entered by default, but must pay to be eligible for a share of the prize if their postcode wins.

In his speech Dave highlighted research from the think tank Theos and Professor Jim Orford, who demonstrate that low income gamblers spend proportionately more on the lottery than the rest of the population, and that there are significantly more betting shops in poorer areas than in more affluent areas.

“That demonstrates that the poorest areas of our society are, in effect, paying a voluntary tax with a low level of return."

Dave stated that while there was nothing wrong with occasional gambling, there ought to be a balance struck that would offer people the freedom to bet while protecting the most vulnerable in our society from the effects of gambling addiction.

Dave said: “There is nothing wrong with a bit of hope, however someone gets it, but gambling can become a real problem for many people, and it can get a grip before they know it. Bookmakers know that and so do Governments.

"Addiction to gambling not only affects the addict but has, as with addiction to drugs and alcohol, detrimental effects on the people closest to them."

Note:

Dave speech is available in the official report, online at: http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/28862.aspx?r=7381&mode=html