GambleAware Report Calls for Stricter Gambling Marketing Regulations in Great Britain
A new report from GambleAware shows Great Britain is lagging behind in regulating gambling marketing with calls for urgent policy change to address public health concerns. Despite loads of research on gambling harm, British regulations are far behind most of Europe.
No Robust Regulation in Great Britain
The report, commissioned by GambleAware and written by the University of Bristol and Ipsos, highlights the regulatory gap in Great Britain’s approach to gambling marketing.
While bans on gambling advertising are becoming more common across Europe in response to public health concerns, the UK has no primary legislation governing gambling ads on TV, radio, sport and digital.
This is a problem as advertising is seen as a normalisation of gambling, especially among young people.
Public Want Stricter Advertising Controls
The report shows public support for tighter controls, 67% think gambling advertising is too much.
Specific support was recorded for social media (74%) and TV (72%) advertising.
GambleAware wants policy change, a pre-watershed ban on broadcast gambling ads, restrictions on online marketing and a blanket ban on gambling promotions in sport. If broader restrictions aren’t possible then they want health warnings on gambling ads.
Calls for Gambling Harm to Be Recognised as a Public Health Issue
Professor Siân Griffiths CBE, Chair of GambleAware Trustees, emphasised the public health aspect of gambling harms, stating, “We have previously highlighted that the lack of gambling advertising and marketing regulation in this country is a missed opportunity. It is important we remember that gambling can be addictive and gambling harms need to be recognised as a public health issue that can affect anyone.”
GambleAware Pushes for Government Action
Zoë Osmond, CEO of GambleAware, expressed optimism about future regulatory measures, particularly the statutory levy that the incoming government is expected to implement. She commented, “We look forward to the forthcoming implementation of the statutory levy by the new Government, which will provide much-needed clarity for the future system to tackle gambling harms and provide vital funding for prevention initiatives.”
Osmond further stressed the urgency of addressing marketing influences, highlighting that advertising is often a key factor in why individuals seek support for gambling-related issues.
The GambleAware wants “fair and sensible” measures to reduce gambling harm and protect the public, especially the vulnerable at risk of addiction.
