People in Carmarthenshire can shape the county’s gambling policy. Feedback is wanted for a survey about the council’s current policy, which has to be reviewed every three years.

Carmarthenshire’s policy regulates activities including betting, bingo and gaming machines in arcades, clubs, pubs, family entertainment centres and betting shops.

Survey questions include whether people are aware of venues where problems have been created by gaming machines used by the public.

Residents are also being asked if they know of problems arising from gambling premises being close to buildings like schools and treatment centres for drug, alcohol or other addictions.

Council chiefs said all views submitted will inform a revised gambling policy, which will go to full council for approval later this year. Councillor Philip Hughes, executive board member for public protection, said: “Maintaining a vibrant night-time economy across the county is important, but we need to ensure gambling doesn’t exploit the vulnerable or become a source of crime and disorder.

“Gambling has to be conducted in a fair and open way, so we’re looking for as much feedback as possible during this consultation to ensure we’re able to maintain an effective licensing system for Carmarthenshire as a whole, while striking the right balance to meet the needs of residents and businesses.”

The survey runs until June 1.

Meanwhile, Swansea council’s ban on new casinos was extended by three years in 2017. The rule was first imposed in 2014, but does not apply to venues which already have casino licenses.