GambleAware says people want to see gambling ads gone from sports

GambleAware, a UK-based charity, has reiterated its position on gambling advertisements citing a study according to which, the majority of people want to see sports betting ads gone from sports broadcasts and physical venues.

As the Euro 2024 rages on, attitudes towards sports betting promotions have become more entrenched, with a majority of people supporting their outright removal. The charity is also warning of the risks that gambling advertising generally presents.

Sports gambling ads have to go in the United Kingdom, consumers say

For example, people who see gambling ads during sports broadcasts are 40 times more likely than the general public to develop a problem with gambling, the charity said cited by The Guardian, a media outfit.

GambleAware is determined to drive the message home with whom it matters – lawmakers. As the Tories will be ousted on the July 4 general election, the Labor Party, the presumptive winner of the election, will have a mandate to enact sweeping changes.

Betting has become a particularly sore point for politicians in the United Kingdom, after four Tory MPs were caught gambling on the date of the election, supposedly using insider knowledge.

The Labor Party’s manifesto has already mentioned that it would seek to enact broader consumer protection measures. Yet, the apple of discord is whether sports betting ads will go. GambleAware has called the lack of more significant changes of the advertising environment a s a "missed opportunity."

In the meantime, Premier League clubs have sought to appease public opinion, vowing to drop front-of-shirt sponsorships with betting companies come 2026. GambleAware CEO Zoe Osmond has been adamant about the need for the government to step in and act.

She said that the incoming government must not overlook advertising. In the meantime, the debate rages on.

A matter of evidence-based approach: is it there, or is it lacking?

Consumer sentiment is firmly opposed to gambling advertisements, but others, including Gambling Minister Stuart Andrew, have warned that there is as of right now no direct evidence linking exposure to gambling ads to higher levels of harm.

Osmond has protested to this statement, arguing that GambleAware’s charity pointed to the contrary, citing its study that ties people who are exposed to gambling ads as being 40 times more likely to actually suffer gambling-related harm.

GambleAware itself has been repeatedly calling for an evidence-based approach in such matters. In the meantime, GambleAware has been accused of becoming "too servile" because it relied on gambling industry contributions.

Osmond and the organizaiton have vehemently denied playing favorites, citing their track record as proof.

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