There are 14 bookies in the SN1 postcode, including three on Bridge Street all next to each other.

The organisation Ara Recovery For All is based in the South West and offers free advice and support for gambling-related issues.

Ara’s gambling service manager Guy Hawker said: “Living closer to gambling outlets in areas of high density of gambling opportunity can be associated with an increase in gambling behaviour.

“People living within 0.7 km are thought to be twice as likely to gamble problematically than someone who lives over 3km away. The likelihood of young people experiencing problem gambling aged between 18-21 years can increase by around 39 per cent.”

Guy said the organisation has seen around 60 people in Swindon so far in 2023/24, but there has been a 50 per cent increase in people accessing support across the South West.

The Advertiser asked on Facebook whether there are too many betting shops in Swindon town centre?’

Gavin Rozee wrote: “Yep, and gambling is advertised on TV and social media too much. Should be illegal.”

“Betting shops and drinking venues, too many”, commented Liz Woodman. “Need more shops. It’s a dirty, depressing place.”

Donna Green added: “The town as become a joke. Nothing in there but if you want a vaping shop or betting shop or a coffee you are fine.”

But Jordan Mckinley wrote: “Maybe lower the rent and more companies might rent the shops.”

“It’s our own fault the town centre is what it is, we’ve allowed the internet to take control of our lives through shopping online”, said Trevor Nelson. 

Christian Kostiuk added: “You have a choice. You frequent them or you don’t…”

And Guy explained: “Research carried out by Nottingham Trent University showed that an increase in the number of betting shops within a community can be a cause of higher neighbourhood crime. With every one unit increase in betting shops, crimes such as shoplifting, anti-social behaviour, public disorder and theft can increase.

“People who experience gambling related harms can often have a parent who gambled, introduced to gambling at an early age, or experienced early wins, peer pressure or may be more impulsive or engage in more risk-taking behaviour.

“Betting shops alone do not increase crime rates but are often concentrated in deprived areas and, with austerity and the cost of living crisis, can increase the risk of gambling related harm.”

More information about Ara and safer gambling can be found at www.recovery4all.co.uk