UK: APPG asks TV channels to drop daytime gambling sponsorship

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling-Related Harm has asked channels to stop gambling sponsorship of daytime TV programmes.

UK.- The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Gambling-Related Harm (APPG) has written to television channels including ITV and Channel 5 calling for them to bring an end to the sponsorship of daytime television programmes by gambling operators.

The APPG said it was “very concerned” about sponsorship deals such as  Gala Bingo’s sponsorship of the Australian soap opera Neighbours on Channel 5.

It wrote: “Gambling companies are sponsoring programmes which seek to glamorise gambling with the aim of targeting women and young people and encouraging them to gamble.

“We are very concerned that television companies are promoting gambling – we have ourselves seen first-hand the harm and devastation that gambling can cause to young people’s lives, families and communities.”

The APPG said that the situation was especially concerning during Covid-19 lockdown measures because there was an increased likelihood of children being at home during the day, resulting in their exposure to gambling advertisements.

The group said that 52 “experts by experience” had also called for the channels to take action.

The APPG has previously called for a complete ban on gambling advertising. Its reports are expected to influences the UK government’s current review of gambling legislation.

The UK advertising watchdog, the ASA, has reported a drop in the exposure of young people to gambling ads.