Key points:
- The report indicates that Great Britain lags behind Europe in regulating gambling marketing despite strong evidence of its harms
- The British public largely supports restrictions on gambling ads, especially online and on TV
- GambleAware calls for comprehensive marketing restrictions to protect public health
A new report commissioned by GambleAware suggests that Great Britain is lagging behind much of Europe in regulating gambling marketing, despite having more research on its negative impacts than several other countries combined.
However, these findings do tend to contradict the findings of industry regulators, who often praise the UK and suggest it is far ahead of other regions in this area.
The study, conducted by the University of Bristol and Ipsos, found that bans on gambling advertising are increasingly becoming the norm across Europe as governments respond to public health concerns about gambling harm and the normalisation of gambling for young people.
In Great Britain, however, there is no primary legislation in place to regulate gambling marketing on TV, radio, online and in sports.
The report shows public support for change, with a majority of Britons saying there is too much gambling advertising (67%) and backing stricter regulations on social media (74%) and TV (72%).
As such, GambleAware is calling for a range of policy changes, including a pre-watershed ban on broadcast adverts, restrictions on online gambling content and marketing, and a blanket ban across sports.
The charity also believes mandatory health warnings on all gambling marketing are necessary in the absence of broader restrictions.
Commenting on the findings, Prof. Siân Griffiths CBE, Public Health Expert and Chair of GambleAware Trustees, stated: “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."
Zoë Osmond, GambleAware CEO, added: “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.
“But we mustn’t forget that the bombardment of gambling marketing in this country is a key reason why people find themselves in a position where they need advice, support or treatment.
“The changes we are proposing are fair and sensible, but crucially will make a huge difference – gambling harms can affect anyone, and must do everything we can to keep people safe from gambling harm.”
