COUNCILLORS have decided to include details of a study into problem gambling in their latest gambling policy.

The Association of British Bookmakers asked Bradford Council to remove references to a report by Leeds Beckett University from its Statement of Licensing Principles for the next three years.

The report includes details on how gambling could cause public health issues, such as how young gamblers are more likely to develop a gambling addiction, that people from Asian and black communities are more vulnerable to gambling problems and that those on low income spend a higher portion of their income on gambling.

These details would be used to determine whether to grant licences to gambling businesses in “high risk” areas.

Opening a betting shop near a school, place of worship or area where children congregate would also be frowned upon under the updated report.

A draft of the report was discussed by the Council’s Licensing Committee yesterday, when members were read a letter by Gosschalks Solicitors, representing bookmakers. It raised concerns over the references to problem gambling, saying these have “no place” in such a document and had “no contextual background.”

The Council was asked to remove details of the Leeds Beckett report from the document.

But members refused to drop these references.

Tracy McLuckie, licensing manager, said the report’s findings were included at the request of Public Health, and after discussions with other West Yorkshire authorities. She added: “I’m confident we’ve clearly taken these details from a well researched document.”

Members agreed that the references to problem gambling should remain in the report – the final version of which will be approved by the Council next month.

Councillor Anne Hawksworth (Independent, Ilkley), said: “Is there anything we can do to restrict numbers of betting shops in some areas?”

Mrs McLuckie replied: “Unfortunately no. The Gambling Act takes away out ability to refuse licences due to the number of similar businesses or market demand.”

But Mrs McLuckie said the coming year could see major changes in the gambling industry. Next year the maximum permitted stake on fixed betting odds terminals will be reduced from £100 to £2. She added: “This may change the landscape of the High Street. Over the next 12 months I expect to see a lot of changes in the industry.”

The Committee said the policy should be reviewed again in a year’s time in light of any changes.