UK governments call for gambling ad restrictions

The LGA, formed of local councils, is pushing towards a change in gambling advertising regulations in order to control problem gambling.

UK.- Gambling advertising has been in the spotlight in the UK lately and the government is pushing to change regulation to prevent problem gambling. The Local Government Association (LGA), a body composed of local councils in the UK is urging to get “greater restrictions” to minimise the risk of young people turning into problem gamblers.

The LGA released a statement that informs of nearly one in nine children between 11-15 years old follow gambling companies on social media and explained that people aged 16 to 24 represent the second highest rates of problem gambling. It also quoted the UK broadcast regulator, which revealed gambling advertising grew 5,000 percent between 2007 and 2012.

Chair of the LGA Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Councillor Simon Blackburn, warned about gambling advertising “rocketing” since 2007 and said: “The rise in both televised sporting events, such as Premier League football, and gambling advertising means viewers, particularly children, are being exposed to increasing amounts of gambling brands and betting messages.”

Cllr Blackburn explained the LGA is “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” and urged the Government to “consider tighter restrictions on gambling advertising.”