Tracey Couch talks about gambling ads

The MP voiced her opinion after some gambling executives talked about more restrictions on gambling ads.

UK.- UK gambling executives talked about the possibility of increasing restrictions on gambling advertising, as they believe that it is concerning that there is such exposure for children and that the government should act on it. MP Tracey Couch said that companies should take the first step as no one is forcing them to advertise.

The MP talked about gambling ads on social media and responded to the news that the betting sector was open to tougher regulations in order to prevent children from being exposed to such activity. “We always keep these things under review and have strengthened rules in [our] latest policy update,” she said. Tracey added that if the industry leaders themselves think that there are currently too many ads then they should not commission them, as government should not be involved in those issues.

Research carried out by ITV, the University of Sheffield, Box of Broadcasts and Guardian Research revealed that during the World Cup viewers were exposed to 90 minutes of gambling ads, which equates to 17 per cent of the tournament’s ad breaks – or one minute every six. Philip Bowcock, chief executive of William Hill, and Peter Jackson, CEO of Paddy Power Betfair, both said that they are open to new government regulations.