UK councils call for tighter controls on gambling advertising

The UK Local Government Association’s call this week for tighter restrictions on gambling advertising has achieved wide mainstream media coverage in a month where gambling issues have been repeatedly aired in the run up to the government’s release of its gambling review, scheduled for October.

The LGA, which represents city councils across Britain, motivates its call by citing the risks of problem gambling issues developing among the younger demographics.

The organisation calls on government to consider curbing the “huge rise” as it points to industry figures that suggest almost one in 10 children aged between 11 and 15 are now following gambling companies on social media.

The volume of gambling advertising, including ‘live bet’ TV adverts during matches, is undermining the government’s objective of socially responsible growth in the sector, the LGA alleges.

It additionally flags the dangers of high maximum stakes on fixed odds betting machines in retail betting shops, urging government to reduce these from GBP 100 to GBP 2.

LGA chairman Simon Blackburn said in a statement:

“Gambling advertising on television has rocketed since the Gambling Act came into force in 2007, which is a major concern for councils who are aware of the personal harm that problem gambling can cause.
“While the Gambling Act was intended to position gambling as an acceptable leisure activity, we are concerned that the volume of gambling advertising goes beyond what can be deemed the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting individuals and communities.”

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