New poll shows UK public approves of ‘whistle to whistle’ advertising ban

The news earlier this week that the UK gambling industry is discussing a voluntary “whistle-to’whistle” ban on sports betting adverts during matches has triggered a poll conducted by Harris Interactive which reports:

* 81 percent of respondents in a sample of 963 adults think such a ban would be a good idea;

* However among online sports betting punters the approval rate sinks to 66 percent;

* 35 percent were aware of the voluntary ban discussions, with this metric growing to 51 percent among online sports punters;

* Among online sports gamblers, 23 percent of respondents said that such a ban would result in less bets on live sports matches, and 18 percent opined that a ban would be enough for them to consider no longer placing wagers on live competitions;

* The HI researchers noted that there appears to be an even divide between respondents agreeing and those disagreeing that a voluntary ban will ‘help reduce the incidence of problem gambling.’ The public appear to feel that a voluntary ban could reduce the danger of problem gambling, but not in its elimination;

* The same perception is apparent in responses to the proposition that a ban could stop people getting into debt;

* Respondents felt that the gambling industry needs to do more to demonstrate to the public that they care about the lives of their customers;

* 1 out of every three respondents felt that a voluntary ban would ‘improve their perception of gambling companies’. 2 in 3 say ‘gambling companies have only done this due to pressure from the government’;

* 2 out of every 3 respondents opined that problem gambling is getting worse, and that government should therefore do more to regulate and control the industry;

* Over 50 percent of respondents felt that a voluntary “whistle-to-whistle” ban is not enough, and that bans should be extended to embrace gambling shirt sponsorships and gambling advertising around stadia. Slightly less felt that sponsorship bans should apply to Premier League football matches;

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