Gambling ads in Great Britain have the most lenient regulations across Europe, a study from the University of Bristol has revealed, with the majority of people backing tougher rules.
The study, which was commissioned by the charity GambleAware, found that bans on gambling marketing have become increasingly common across Europe. However, despite the publication of almost 500 research papers on the topic, there is no primary legislation in place to regulate gambling marketing in the UK.
According to the university’s research, 74% of people backed stronger regulations for gambling adverts on social media and 72% called for a ban on gambling ads on TV.
Lord Foster of Bath, chair of Peers for Gambling Reform, said: “Every day we are bombarded by gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship on TV, radio and online. There is huge public support to curb it and there’s a wealth of research showing the harm it causes.
“But we remain woefully behind the curve in terms of the regulation needed to protect individuals from harm. Crucially, the power to regulate key aspects of this – such as gambling advertising – is already within the gift of the secretary of state as set out in the Gambling Act 2005.
“Our current regulations are too lenient and fail to advance the much-needed public health approach to gambling that Peers for Gambling Reform has long called for.”
In light of this study, GambleAware has called for a pre-watershed ban on broadcast adverts, restrictions on gambling ads and marketing online, and a blanket ban across sports.
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The charity has also highlighted the need for mandatory health warnings on all gambling marketing.
Public health expert and chair of GambleAware Trustees, professor Siân Griffiths CBE, said: “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.
“We have long been concerned about the impact gambling ads and marketing can have on children and young people. This is why urgent action is needed to protect the next generation from experiencing harm.”
A study from September of this year revealed that Premier League fans were subjected to nearly 30,000 gambling messages on the season’s opening weekend.
University of Bristol marketing researcher Dr Raffaello Rossi said the lack of tight restrictions “isn’t due to insufficient evidence but rather a lack of political will” and urged policymakers to “act urgently” to protect the public.
