Gambling ads ban would make ‘positive difference to millions’, peers say

Professor Richard Tunney, head of psychology at Aston University and chair of research in the Academic Forum for the Study of Gambling, agrees that a ban on gambling ads would make a positive difference.

He said: “A ban on gambling advertising would be hugely effective in reducing the number of people harmed by gambling.

“Gambling advertisements are partially regulated but the regulations are often circumvented or ignored by the gambling industry and media platforms.

“At best, this means that the adverts do not meet strict adverting standards and at worst mean that young people are exposed to adverts that encourage age restricted material.

“Typical examples involve advertising during televised sporting events, sports sponsorship or unregulated social media advertising that may link to overseas gambling providers who may not comply with UK law.

“A ban would not be without knock on effects for media companies who would need to seek revenue from less harmful sources and sports clubs who would need to seek sponsorship from more traditional industries.

“But given that the gambling industry have only recently replaced earlier sponsors and advertisers, it doesn’t seem impossible for industry to adjust.

“Regulations on advertising other addictive behaviours and substances are effective in reducing harm, and the ban on advertising tobacco product, once one of the largest sports sponsors, has not detrimentally affected media industry but has reduced tobacco related harms.”