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Contextualising machine gambling characteristics by location - final report: A spatial investigation of machines in bookmakers using industry data

Author: G. Astbury & M. Thurstain-Goodwin Published: February 2015
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Summary

This report by Geofutures analyses the geographic patterns and characteristics of licensed betting offices (LBOs) with gambling machines in Great Britain.

Topics covered

  • geographic distribution of LBOs with gambling machines
  • socio-economic characteristics of areas near LBOs
  • travel patterns and catchment areas of machine gamblers

Key findings

The distribution of LBOs is not proportional to population density or economic centres. Areas near LBOs tend to have higher levels of: 
  • deprivation
  • unemployment
  • ethnic diversity
  • crime
Machine gamblers typically live in more deprived urban areas, with regular players living closer to LBOs. However, there is significant local variation in these patterns.

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