THE Scottish Greens have vowed to make bookies and casinos pitch in for the cost of addiction support with a new tax on the industry.

The party’s manifesto pledges to use the non-domestic rates system to levy surcharges on businesses which “cause harm to our environment and communities” and makes clear that gambling venues would be in the firing line.

Proposing not only the levy but a ban on the gambling sponsorship now widespread across Scottish sport, Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay said: “Far too many gambling companies make their money by exploiting vulnerability and addiction while communities, families and public services are left to deal with the consequences.

“Our plan is about putting responsibility back where it belongs. Simply put: if a company is profiting from addiction and harm, then it should not be allowed to walk away from the social cost.

“At a time when public services are already under pressure, it cannot be right that the burden falls on the NHS, local communities and families while gambling companies continue to profit.”