UK betting firms to stop advertising on TV and radio during lockdown

[ghost22]

MP says block on all advertising should have been in place from day one to protect addicts

The UK’s biggest betting and gaming companies are to cease advertising their products on TV and radio during the lockdown, after MPs called for a moratorium.

The Betting and Gaming Council, which represents 90% of the UK’s betting, gaming, bingo and casino companies, said booked TV and radio slots would either feature safe gambling messaging from charities or be removed entirely if contracts with broadcasters permitted.

“From day one of this crisis we have sought to protect customers potentially at risk,” said Michael Dugher, the BGC’s chief executive. “This latest move by the regulated industry further underlines our commitment to safer betting and gaming with many people cut off and feeling anxious.”

Members have until 7 May to remove their ads from TV and radio, and the ban will last until at least 5 June. However, companies will continue to use other marketing channels such as direct marketing, which includes ads on social media as well as by email and text messages.

This month more than 20 MPs called for strict curbs on gambling during the lockdown, including a moratorium on advertising, and called the betting industry’s own proposals “very weak”.

Carolyn Harris, chair of the all-party parliamentary group on gambling-related harm, said a block on all advertising should have been implemented from the first day of the lockdown to protect vulnerable people and addicts stuck at home.

“This is a clear admission that gambling advertising is having a profound effect on the level of problem gambling we are seeing across the UK,” she said. “I welcome today’s decision but I wish it could have been made on day one of the lockdown, rather than six weeks down the line. The damage already done is hard to comprehend. It’s vital that this is extended to all gambling advertising on all mediums throughout this pandemic.”

Dugher said there had not been any explosion in online gambling as had been feared, and overall gambling was down with no live sport on TV and high-street betting shops and casinos closed.

“There will always be alarmist noises from anti-gambling prohibitionists who just want to grab headlines,” he said. “We are determined to do everything we can to protect customers potentially at risk during this lockdown period and beyond.”

The BGC said its members accounted for about half of all gambling advertising on TV and radio, and it called on others in the sector – including the National Lottery operator Camelot – to also implement bans.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/27/uk-betting-firms-to-stop-advertising-on-tv-and-radio-during-lockdown

 

i wonder will they try and target streamers next ?

[DaveM]

Just not happening. Seen dozens of ads today

[cazza6565]

9 hours ago, DaveM said:

Just not happening. Seen dozens of ads today

Dave they have until May 7th to stop. Don't know why they didn't do this at start

[cazza6565]

9 hours ago, DaveM said:

Just not happening. Seen dozens of ads today

Dave they have until May 7th to stop. Don't know why they didn't do this at start

[DaveM]

The company I work for managed to turn our ads off like a tap. Just as an excuse to carry on advertising

[cazza6565]

Course it is. What do they actually need a deadline for anyway. When I worked in the bookies advertising could be changed or stopped immediately if need be.

[DaveM]

73 minutes to May 7 and Unibet still advertising.

[monkstanding]

has not stopped the bingo sponsorships between the chase adverts lol

[monkstanding]

has not stopped the bingo sponsorships between the chase adverts lol

[DaveM]

Mr Green have massively ramped up their responsible gambling advert output. Not breaking the ban but constantly reminding people that gambling exists. Rats.

[cazza6565]

I thought same as you Dave with the Mecca bingo advert doing it too.

Surely that still counts as advertising though.

[DaveM]

32 Red now advertising again well short of the 6 weeks. Rats

[DaveM]

Unibet too. Only one I have an account with. Closed it. Invited to discuss with Live Chat as I selected 'unhappy with service' as reason. Declined.