Labour Urged to Reform Gambling
Labour has a huge government majority and has been told to make changes to gambling legislation with its strong position.
Labour Urged to Reform Gambling Legislation in the UK
The Labour government has been urged to introduce new gambling legislation in the UK, including tighter controls on what advertising is permitted.
Prior to the 2024 general election, at which Labour earned a massive majority and replaced the Conservatives in government, the party’s manifesto pledged to reform the industry. But details were lacking on what changes Sir Keir Starmer would push through and Labour has now been given guidance on legislation to consider, reports the Guardian.
With Premier League clubs already set to be banned from advertising gambling companies on their shirts, it has been suggested the block should be extended to Football League teams.
Mark Palios, the chairman of League Two side Tranmere Rovers and a former chief executive of the Football Association, told the Westminster gambling summit why he believes that ban – which comes into force at the end of 2025-26 – should be extended. He asked:
“Do they not think that children who support lower league clubs are as important as children who support Premier League clubs?” – Mark Palios, Chairman of Tranmere Rovers
GambleAware Backs Watershed
Restrictions on when gambling companies can advertise on television and radio have long been suggested, with the policy earning the backing of GambleAware.
The body, which is the top-ranked gambling charity in the UK, believes that betting and casino advertising should not be allowed on radio or TV prior to the 9 p.m. watershed.
Football commentator Clive Tyldesley has previously confirmed he opted to leave his job at radio station TalkSport due to its policy of advertising gambling companies.
Iain Duncan Smith, a former leader of the Conservatives who now co-chairs a cross-party parliamentary group that looks into the harms caused by gambling, noted research has shown the public supports a total ban on gambling advertising.
This would be similar to the ban on cigarette advertising that is in force in the UK, with the Survation study indicating it would be a popular move. Iain Duncan Smith commented at the summit:
“Politicians need to find their way towards the public on this. It’s clear and obvious what can be done and what should be done.” – Iain Duncan Smith, Former Leader of the Conservatives
Opposition to Legislation
Naturally, the gambling industry is pushing back against the calls for more regulation.
Industry lobby group the Betting and Gaming Council pointed out that companies across the sector have already agreed not to advertise gambling during live sports broadcasts on a “whistle-to-whistle” basis.
It also noted it has worked with sports teams on developing a new sponsorship code, which has led to safer gambling messages being promoted more.
Dr Heather Wardle from the University of Glasgow also told the summit she does not believe it is possible to prove beyond all doubt that problem gambling can be caused by advertising.
