• New licensing policy launched to protect vulnerable residents – East Ham declared Gambling Vulnerability Area
Newham Council has today (Thursday 16 September) adopted a strengthened Statement of Gambling Policy for 2025–2028, as part of a renewed push to safeguard vulnerable residents from gambling-related harm and limit the proliferation of betting shops in high streets across the borough.
The policy, approved by Cabinet, reinforces Newham’s commitment to responsible regulation while amplifying the borough’s call for greater powers from central Government to allow local authorities to cap the number and clustering of gambling premises in areas most at risk.
As part of the new approach, East Ham has been designated as a Gambling Vulnerability Area – enabling targeted action by licensing officers in a neighbourhood where concerns about gambling harm are particularly acute.
Councillor Amar Virdee, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Housing Needs, Homelessness and Private Rental Sector said: “Newham Council is committed to doing everything within its current powers to protect residents – particularly young people and those vulnerable to addiction – from the devastating impact gambling can have.
“The message from our residents, businesses and community stakeholders is clear: they do not want to see more betting shops clustered in already disadvantaged areas. But the current legislation ties our hands. That is why, alongside 40 other local authorities, we’ve written to the Government calling for urgent legislative reform – including powers to block new gambling premises where there is already a high concentration and evident harm.
“We will continue to press for these powers so we can take meaningful action to protect our communities. Until the Government acts, we will continue using every tool at our disposal to protect our residents and promote best practice in the gambling industry across Newham.”
While the Council awaits national reforms, the new policy strengthens local licensing expectations, including:
- Ensuring young people do not engage in gambling – using the “Challenge 25” model (requesting ID from anyone who appears younger than 25)
- Not serving people suspected of being under the influence of alcohol
- Requiring a robust self-exclusion policy for problem gamblers
- Comprehensive staff training for gambling operators
The new Gambling Vulnerability Area designation in East Ham allows the Council to target its regulatory efforts more effectively within existing laws, reinforcing its commitment to proactive licensing oversight.
