A unique scheme to tackle problem gambling as seen 23 people exclude themselves from all gambling shops in Chatham.

The project, the first of its kind in the UK, was launched by Medway Council to give gamblers the option to ban themselves from all bookmakers by filling out one form.

In its first six months, 23 people have opted to exclude themselves from all gambling shops rather than one at a time.

‘Assisting just one gambler to self-exclude in order to get help and support would be worth it, but I am delighted that 23 people have benefitted so far,’ said Jane Chitty, Medway Council's portfolio holder for planning, economic growth & regulation.

‘The council has implemented measures that work at a local level but I am pleased to note that the joint work we are doing here in Medway is going to help the development of a national scheme.’

Hilary Douglas, campaigns director at the Association of British Bookmakers, said the scheme has also shown the importance of social interaction at the point of self-exclusion.