UK councils want curb on betting advertisements

The assocation cited research that says that almost one in nine children aged 11-15 are “following” gambling firms on social media, and that the second highest rates of problem gambling lie in the 16-24 age category.

According to figures from Ofcom, the UK broadcast regulator, gambling advertising grew by 5,000% between 2007 – when betting companies were first greenlighted to advertise on TV – and 2012.

“Gambling advertising on television has rocketed since the Gambling Act came into force in 2007, which is a major concern for councils who are aware of the personal harm that problem gambling can cause,” said Cllr Simon Blackburn, chair of the LGA Safer and Stronger Communities Board.

He continued, “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.

“While the Gambling Act was intended to position gambling as an acceptable leisure activity, we are 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.

“The Government should seriously consider tighter restrictions on gambling advertising that is easily accessible to, and seen by children.”

The LGA has also supported the cut in the maximum stakes on gaming machines in betting shops (FOBTs).

The machines have been under scrutiny for some time, with several campaign groups and MPs pushing to cut FOBT stake from £100 to just £2.

The LGA has backed the move, saying that cumulative impact tests should also be introduced to “enable councils to reject applications for new betting shops where there are already existing clusters of shops when government announces its imminent review of gaming machines and social responsibility measures”.

Blackburn noted, “Councils are increasingly frustrated over their lack of powers to curb the proliferation of FOBTs – which currently exceed 34,000 in the UK – and the concentration of betting shops on high streets.

“Lowering maximum FOBT stakes to £2 in line with other gaming machines would help protect those at risk of problem gambling from incurring higher losses.

“Councils are not anti-bookies, but a new cumulative impact test would give them the power to veto new betting shops – and FOBTs - in places where there are already existing clusters.

“Problem gambling can lead to spiralling debt, deteriorating mental health and wellbeing, and a toll on society – and taxpayers - through crime and disorder, family breakdown and homelessness.

“It’s vital that improved social responsibility measures are implemented to help to reduce this.”