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(AsiaGameHub) –   The Scottish Greens have committed to implementing a new levy on gambling establishments as part of their 2026 manifesto, with the goal of funding services for addiction prevention, recovery, and support.

Under these plans, land-based businesses such as bookmakers and casinos would be subject to an additional surcharge on non-domestic rates. The resulting income would be allocated to public health programs designed to mitigate gambling-related issues.

The party stated that this policy is intended to ensure that companies take responsibility for the societal expenses linked to their operations, particularly regarding the effects of problem gambling on local communities.

“A significant number of gambling firms generate profit by taking advantage of addiction and vulnerability, while the public sector, families, and communities are left to manage the fallout,” remarked Gillian Mackay, Co-Leader of the Scottish Greens.

“What is frequently presented as harmless entertainment can escalate into a much more grave situation.

“For many individuals, gambling leads to addictive behaviors that result in debt, intense stress, mental health challenges, and lasting damage to family life. This harm is not confined to the individual; it impacts their relatives, their homes, and their wider neighborhoods.

“Our strategy focuses on shifting accountability back to where it belongs. Quite simply, if a firm is profiting from harm and addiction, it should not be permitted to avoid the associated social costs. If a business makes money from activities that cause this level of damage, it must contribute to the cost of the response. This is a matter of fundamental fairness.

“With public services already under significant strain, it is not right for the NHS, local areas, and families to carry the burden while gambling firms continue to see profits.”

While the Scottish Greens are a smaller political force compared to the ruling Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Labour opposition, they still maintain a level of influence.

Two Green MPs served in ministerial roles from August 2021 to April 2024 through a coalition with the SNP. The party also strongly backed a bill from an SNP MSP to outlaw greyhound racing, which has since been enacted.

The prospect of the party shaping policy is plausible, as recent data suggests the Scottish Greens could potentially win up to 17 seats, becoming the second-largest party in the country.

In addition to advocating for higher gambling taxes, the Scottish Greens are also pushing for a total ban on betting sponsorships within the sports industry.

This move might find support among certain groups of Scottish football fans—who have frequently voiced their opposition to gambling ads—though it could also represent a financial challenge for clubs.

Mackay further stated: “Gambling addiction takes lives and should be addressed with the same urgency as drug addiction. This requires a comprehensive public health strategy centered on recovery and prevention rather than overlooking the extent of the damage.

“This is why we are also dedicated to prohibiting gambling sponsorships in sports. When someone is trying to overcome an addiction, they shouldn’t be constantly triggered by it during sporting events. Furthermore, those under 18 should not be exposed to a gateway for problem gambling.

“On 7 May, a vote for the Scottish Greens is a vote to ensure that businesses profiting from harm are finally held accountable, benefiting all of Scotland rather than just wealthy gambling corporations.”

Which sports organizations would feel the impact?

Several of Scotland’s most prominent sporting institutions have partnerships with gambling firms. For instance, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) is currently sponsored by William Hill, which is owned by evoke.

The nation’s two most successful football clubs—Celtic and Rangers—both feature gambling companies as primary shirt sponsors, with the former partnered with Dafabet and the latter with Unibet.

Another significant gambling-related sponsorship in the region is Coral’s association with the Scottish Grand National.

Scottish Greens align with similar European initiatives

The proposals from the Scottish Greens reflect similar measures taken across Europe, where sports gambling sponsorships have been restricted or banned entirely.

A notable example is the Netherlands, which implemented a ban on gambling advertisements and sponsorships for sports competitions and clubs in July of last year.

The focus on responsible gambling in the UK is more critical than ever as figures for gambling-related harm continue to rise.

The introduction of a new statutory levy has also caused debate, as the government is now tasked with allocating funds for prevention charities, replacing the now-defunct GambleAware.

The Scottish Greens’ initiative to use gambling revenue for harm prevention charities is likely to be supported by both the public and charitable organizations.

Nevertheless, if the Scottish Greens succeed in the 2026 Scottish Parliament Election next month, many sports organizations may find themselves searching for ways to fill a significant financial gap caused by new taxes and the loss of gambling sponsors.