“Lessons in gambling urged for all children in schools” was the provocative headline in my paper recently. Gamcare, a think-tank funded by the gaming industry was giving evidence to a government review of Personal, Social, Health and Economics [PSHE] Education. They argued that “there is an urgent need to raise awareness amongst young people about the risks of problem gambling, and to educate those who might choose to gamble in adulthood to do so responsibly.”
Gamcare recognised the high prevalence of gambling in our society, but their approach was neither to ban it (even among children of whom 2% are already problem gamblers), nor reduce the everyday opportunities for gambling (by giving local authorities powers to refuse planning permission for betting shops), nor impose a compulsory levy on the gambling industry. Rather, they want gambling to be taught explicitly in schools!
Methodists have a long and honourable record of witness against gambling, as well as the drinking of alcohol. Half a dozen Standing Orders prohibit both on our premises, though in recent years some softer forms of gambling like raffles and amusements with small prizes have reluctantly been permitted. So what would our church have advised the Department of Education?
“The government must take action on child gambling and the clustering of betting shops, and fund independent research, education and treatment.” That was the concluding summary of similar evidence given by Methodists and others to another government inquiry into gambling last month. Note the phrase “education”. Let’s both educate the addicts, and teach the hazards of gambling before it gets a hold. Maybe the policies of the Methodist Church and Gamcare are not so far apart!
