Peers call for UK to enact tobacco-style ban on gambling advertising
UK peers urge a tobacco-style ban on gambling advertising to protect public health.Summary
A cross-party group of UK peers, in a 173-page House of Lords report, has called for a near-total ban on gambling advertising, similar to tobacco restrictions, to address public health harms like financial ruin, relationship breakdown, and suicide. The report criticizes government passivity in regulating digital gambling promotion, noting annual industry spend of £2bn and up to 1.4 million problem gamblers. While acknowledging potential industry shrinkage, it argues for long-term economic benefits as gambling spending shifts elsewhere. The Betting and Gaming Council opposes the ban, warning it could boost illicit markets, but peers like Lord Foster emphasize evidence linking advertising to harm. Historical context includes the 2005 Gambling Act that liberalized advertising, and recent moves by figures like Andy Burnham to limit gambling influence.
(Source：Theguardiantheguardian)