In July 2020 we reported on fears over lotteries with jackpots of up to £25,000 being run by local authorities in a bid to raise funds for cultural activities and events in the wake of coronavirus.
People providing addiction support services questioned whether councils were providing a "gateway to gambling".
- Google sheet: Council lotteries data
- Chris Hill, from Sidcup, who recovered from a gambling addiction several years ago and runs support services for those battling addiction
- Dr Mark Griffiths, Professor of Behavioural Addiction, Nottingham Trent University
- Professor Annie Anderson, president, the UK Society of Behavioural Medicine
- Ben Speare, managing director, Gatherwell (lottery provider)
- Mieka Smiles, executive member for culture and communities, Middlesbrough Council
- Spokeswoman, Gambling Commission
- Infographic: Where does my £1 go in a local lottery?
The Shared Data Unit makes data journalism available to the wider local news network as part of the Local News Partnerships. Partner uses of the story included:
- Lynn News: ‘Gateway to gambling’ fears raised over council-run lotteries like those in West Norfolk and Breckland 23 July 2020
- Newcastle Chronicle: Northumberland council-run lottery could be 'gateway to gambling' 27 July 2020
- Stroud News: Stroud district lottery set to launch later this year 29 July 2020
- Yorkshire Live: Fears council-run lotteries in Yorkshire with £25,000 jackpots could turn people into gambling addicts 26 July 2020