The new pledge comes as part of the party's 2026 manifesto which will aim to fund addiction-prevention and support services. 
 

Key Points

The new proposal will tax casinos, bookmakers and any other land-based operators 

Revenue will be directed towards public health initiatives involving gambling related problems 
 

The Scottish Green Party has proposed a new strategy in tackling gambling-related harm in the form of a new tax on all gambling venues. 

“Far too many gambling companies make their money by exploiting vulnerability and addiction, while communities, families and public services are left to deal with the consequences,” said Scottish Greens Co-Leader, Gillian Mackay.  

There have been frequent developments recently related to responsible gambling in the UK, as GamCare was awarded more than £4m ($5.37m) by the office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) VCSE Gambling Harms Prevention and Resilience Fund.  

Over the past five years, Scottish Greens MSPs have been credited for free bus travel for under-22s, clearing nearly £3m of school meal debt held by families in financial crisis and doubled the Scottish Child Payment, making Scotland the only part of the UK where child poverty is failing. 

Recently, The Betting and Gaming Council announced that Safer Gambling Week will take place in November. 

This comes at a time of increased focus on preventing gambling harm in the UK and the Scottish Greens are also adamant to end betting sponsorships in sports. 

Mackay added: “Gambling addiction should be treated with the same seriousness as drug addiction. That means taking a proper public health approach, focused on prevention, support and recovery rather than ignoring the scale of the harm."

The Scottish Parliament election will take place on 7 May and if the Scottish Greens are elected, it will mean even more pressure for sports betting and gambling operations. 

 

 

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