Peers call for UK to enact tobacco-style ban on gambling advertising
Summary
A group of UK lawmakers called for a ban on nearly all gambling advertisements to protect people’s health. They suggest the ban would reduce problems like debt and addiction but might shrink the gambling industry. The gambling industry opposes the ban, saying it could increase illegal gambling.Key Facts
- The UK House of Lords report recommends banning most gambling ads, with exceptions for lotteries and racecourses.
- Gambling ads have grown a lot since 2005, with industry spending around £2 billion on advertising in 2024.
- About 1.4 million people in Great Britain have gambling problems.
- The proposed ban aims to decrease harms such as financial trouble, family problems, and suicide linked to gambling.
- The industry group Betting & Gaming Council (BGC) warns a ban could boost illegal gambling sites that keep advertising.
- Regulators are working to stop illegal gambling, but legal market ads are also linked to harm.
- Before 2005, only bingo, pools, and lotteries could advertise on TV in the UK.
- Some industry measures already limit ads, such as not advertising during live sports games.
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