£250,000 funding and cross-London partnership to tackle gambling harms

The two-year programme, running from January 2026 to December 2027, will bring together Islington and four other north central London boroughs with Thrive London and Mind in Haringey to prevent gambling harms, raise awareness, and improve access to support. 

Those with longstanding mental health conditions and residents already in financial difficulty are more likely to report gambling behaviours that cause them harm. Tackling this issue is an important part of the council’s mission to create a more equal Islington. 

The programme will include: 

• A new north central London partnership focused on preventing gambling harms 

• An assessment to understand the scale and impact of gambling harms, and the  interventions necessary 

• A public awareness campaign led by THRIVE London during the 2026 FIFA World Cup 

• A best practice toolkit to help councils and partners improve prevention and support 

Islington is already leading the way in this work. Councillor Dr Sara Hyde, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, chairs the new London Gambling Harms Action Group, which now has 17 boroughs signed up.  

The group brings councils together to share evidence, coordinate action, and champion a public health approach to gambling harms. 

Cllr Dr Hyde said: “Gambling harm is hitting people who are already under the most pressure, and that’s why this work matters so much.   

“By joining forces across London, we can more effectively challenge the tactics of the gambling industry, raise awareness of the risks, and make sure people get support early.   

“This partnership is a vital step towards reducing gambling harms and building a healthier, more equal future for our vibrant communities.” 

Locally, Islington has significantly expanded its support for residents. Since early 2025, the council in partnership with BetKnowMore, the gambling addiction charity, have delivered more than 1,400 brief interventions, held 63 support hub sessions at 222 Upper Street, and supported more than 1,800 residents since the service launched in September 2024. The GOALS (Gambling Outreach and Living Support) team has also attended major community events across the borough, helping residents access advice and support. 

Residents who have used the service have provided anonymous feedback that it’s been lifechanging: “I just want to say a huge thank you to the people who have supported me these past couple of months. They have been very helpful to me and my family. 

“They really understand what we are going through, and they really care. Knowing I wasn’t alone, and I had someone to talk to, really helped.” 

Residents can find support and information at: Help for problems with gambling - NHS 

By the end of the two-year programme, the coalition aims to create a proven model and reducing gambling harms toolkit that can be shared with other regions across the country.