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04
Oct 2021
Harrogate's 'significant gambling issues' made worse by covid
A doctor who leads the NHS Northern Gambling Service has said that people in Harrogate suffer with significant gambling issues.
Matt Gaskell is based at the clinic in Leeds which opened in 2019. Since then he has seen people come to him with depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Some on benefits had lost out around £5,000 but others, who are on large salaries, have run up debts of hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Dr Gaskell contacted the Stray Ferret to encourage people from the Harrogate area with gambling issues to come forward after seeing the problem made worse by coronavirus:
Upcoming government gambling review
His comments came after his meeting with Gambling Commissioner Chris Philip. During the meeting they discussed an upcoming government review into gambling.
The government called for evidence in December 2020, which finished on March 31 2021. A white paper with restrictions on online gambling is expected late this year.
Dr Gaskell added:
MPs 'should not accept bribes' from gambling firms
The Stray Ferret reported in August that local MP Nigel Adams accepted £6,000 worth of free hospitality tickets to England’s Euro 2020 games from gambling firms.
Mr Adams, who represents Selby and Ainsty, which includes some rural parts of the Harrogate district such as Spofforth and Follifoot, received tickets to three games at Wembley Stadium.
Seven Conservative MPs and two members of Labour opposition leader Keir Starmer’s front bench accepted hospitality tickets to games involving England.
More than most, it was difficult for Dr Gaskell to read that news. He said it was wrong for MPs to take money from gambling firms:
The Stray Ferret has put Dr Gaskell's comments to Nigel Adams MP. He has not replied by the time of publication.
Read more:
- Police commissioner urged to resign after Sarah Everard comments
- ‘Inspired every day’: Studley Royal gardener retires after 45 years
- Local MP accepted £6,000 worth of free Euro 2020 tickets
Do you or someone you know suffer with gambling addiction? Get help by calling the NHS Northern Gambling Service on 0300 300 1490 or send an email here.
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