The UK’s playing advertising laws are among the many most permissive in Europe, in accordance to a report by the University of Bristol and Ipsos, commissioned by GambleAware. The research revealed that Great Britain, regardless of main the way in which in analysis on gambling-related harms, falls considerably behind nations like Italy, Spain, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands in imposing restrictions on playing commercials.
While nations throughout Europe have adopted stricter laws to fight playing hurt, akin to outright promoting bans or limitations on sports activities sponsorships, the UK continues to depend on self-regulation and trade cooperation. The report means that significant adjustments in Britain would probably require new laws, as present laws are inadequate to handle the rising public well being issues.
European Trends in Gambling Marketing Restrictions
Countries throughout Europe have taken decisive steps to restrict public publicity to playing advertisements:
- Belgium carried out a blanket ban on all playing promoting in July 2023.
- The Netherlands has launched stricter advertising controls, together with a ban on sports activities sponsorships and limiting on-line advertisements to adults.
- Italy was the pioneer on this space, banning all types of playing promoting in 2019.
In distinction, the UK has but to undertake equally complete measures. A notable step was taken when Premier League golf equipment agreed to section out front-of-shirt playing sponsorships by the 2026-27 season. However, this effort stays restricted in contrast to the broader promoting bans seen in different European nations.
Public and Expert Support for Stricter Regulations
The GambleAware report underscores rising public dissatisfaction with the present state of playing promoting in Britain. Recent surveys point out that 67% of British shoppers consider there are too many playing adverts, whereas 74% and 72% help stricter laws for social media and TV advertisements, respectively.
Prof. Siân Griffiths CBE, Chair of GambleAware Trustees, expressed concern over the normalization of playing amongst kids and younger folks. “Urgent action is needed to protect the next generation from experiencing harm,” she said, emphasizing the necessity for a public well being method to playing regulation.
Echoing these sentiments, Lord Foster of Bath, Chair of Peers for Gambling Reform, criticized the UK’s leniency, noting that regulatory powers beneath the Gambling Act 2005 may already be used to implement stricter promoting guidelines.
Proposed Measures to Address Gambling Harm
GambleAware has known as for a number of key coverage adjustments to mitigate playing hurt:
- A pre-watershed ban on broadcast playing adverts.
- Strict limitations on on-line playing advertising.
- A blanket ban on sports activities sponsorships by playing firms.
- Mandatory well being warnings on all playing commercials.
The charity additionally emphasised the urgency of implementing these measures alongside the long-anticipated statutory levy, which might require playing operators to contribute a proportion of their earnings towards stopping and treating playing hurt.
The Need for Political Will
Despite the wealth of proof linking playing promoting to hurt, the report suggests {that a} lack of political will has hindered progress in Britain. Dr. Raffaello Rossi, the report’s writer, highlighted that Great Britain has carried out extra analysis on playing advertising harms than any of its European counterparts, but stays an outlier when it comes to regulatory motion.
The research concluded that tighter restrictions are important to shield people from preventable hurt, particularly as playing advertising continues to proliferate. Estimates from 2017 counsel that UK operators spend £1.5 billion yearly on promoting and advertising, with Premier League followers uncovered to tens of hundreds of playing messages every season.
GambleAware CEO Zoë Osmond warned of the implications of inaction, stating, “The bombardment of gambling marketing in this country is a key reason why people find themselves in a position where they need advice, support, or treatment. The changes we are proposing are fair and sensible but will make a huge difference.”
Source:
“New study shows Great Britain lags behind Europe on restricting gambling marketing as GambleAware issues an urgent call to protect public from gambling harm“, GambleAware, November 2024.
