Part of a £750,000 scheme to prevent young people from becoming addicted to gambling will be piloted in Aberdeen.
The Scottish charity Fast Forward has secured the sum to carry out a major initiative across the country over the next three years.
Aberdeen Central MSP. Kevin Stewart, has for years campaigned for tougher action on betting.
And the SNP representative believes a scheme specifically aimed at educating students on the ills of gambling could help to stop them from amassing huge sums of debt.
He said: “It’s excellent news that Aberdeen will pilot this bold strategy and I hope it brings some comfort to the young people and their parents in this city who have experienced utter misery and massive debt as a result of gambling addiction whilst studying.
“I am determined to do all I can to help bring more awareness to the problem of gambling and how it affects young folk.
“The funding will bring significant investment across Scotland and will mean Aberdeen can pioneer FastForward’s cutting edge strategy.
“This announcement is absolutely crucial in our work to get real support for those who need it.”
The sum was granted by GambleAware, an independent charity, and will also lead to the creation of a Scottish Gambling Education Hub online.
Dr. Jane Rigbye, director of education at GambleAware, said: “If this work continues to secure the positive, independent evaluations we’ve already seen, then we would hope to replicate this model in England and Wales as soon as practicable.”
