The Government must take urgent action in response to a report showing a rise in the number of problem gamblers, say a group of churches. The churches want local councils to have the power to limit the number of gambling premises in their areas. Paul Morrison, of the Methodist Church, said: ‘The government must stop putting industry profit before prevention. Localism should mean that local councils have the power to regulate what happens in their communities and ensure it is to the benefit of all.’ Gareth Wallace, of the Salvation Army, said: ‘When we campaigned against many of the original proposals to liberalise gambling, we were very concerned that problem gambling would increase. There are now nearly half a million problem gamblers in this country. This is far too many and the Government must now commit to halt its plans to raise the stakes of gaming machines and no longer permit arcades and bingo halls to increase in number.’

Pray: for the Government to have wisdom and realise the problems that gambling excesses cause. (Dt.32:29)

More: http://www.eauk.org/media/churches-call-government-to-act-on-problem-gambling-rise.cfm