UK gambling ad policies ‘too lenient’ compared to Europe, report warns

LONDON

A new report highlighted the UK’s lenient approach to regulating gambling advertisements, especially amid concerns about the rising number of young people affected by the problem of gambling.

Commissioned by GambleAware, a charity focused on reducing gambling-related harm, the report said Britain’s stance on betting ads lags behind Europe’s, where stricter controls have become the norm in response to public health concerns.

The report said countries like Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium have enacted more restrictive policies, while the UK remains the most lenient in comparison.

Data released before the report indicate a troubling rise in youth gambling problems across the UK. The permissive regulatory framework introduced by Tony Blair’s Labour government in 2007 has allowed for widespread gambling ads.

GambleAware’s survey showed that two-thirds of Britons believe gambling ads are too prevalent, with even higher support for restrictions on social media (74%) and TV (72%).

The charity is calling for major reforms, including a ban on gambling ads before the 9 pm "watershed," when many younger viewers go to sleep, as well as stricter regulations on gambling-related content online, and a ban on sports-related gambling sponsorships.

In the absence of these changes, GambleAware is also urging mandatory “smoking-style” health warnings on gambling ads to raise awareness of potential harm.

A UK government 2023 white paper on gambling regulation did not address advertising, stating there was not enough evidence to justify stricter rules.