William Eichler 21 December 2023

Health chiefs back call for more gambling restrictions

Health chiefs back call for more gambling restrictions image
Image: Silvi Photo / Shutterstock.com.

Local health chiefs have backed a call from MPs urging the Government to do more to minimise children’s exposure to gambling advertising.

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee has called on the Government to take a more precautionary approach to advertising than that proposed in the gambling White Paper.

The committee welcomed the forthcoming voluntary withdrawal of gambling sponsorship from the front of Premier League players’ shirts but warned that this ‘will not significantly reduce the volume of betting adverts visible during a game.’

The report cites a recent study that found that front-of-shirt gambling branding consisted of just 7% of all that was visible during the 10 broadcast matches surveyed.

Another study has also found that nearly 7,000 gambling messages could be seen during six matches surveyed on the opening weekend of the season.

The committee recommended that the new gambling sponsorship code of conduct should include provision to reduce gambling adverts in stadia and require that a higher proportion of advertising is dedicated to safer gambling messaging.

Greg Fell, president of the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), commented: ‘We need to look at the role that society and the gambling industry is playing in causing gambling harm and take steps to limit it. Children are exposed on a daily basis to harmful gambling products and the only effective way to stop this exposure is by introducing tighter regulations.

‘Unless we take action to protect our children and young people, another generation will grow up to view gambling as a normal activity and society will continue to see – and feel – its damaging consequences.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker - Family Support and Safeguarding - Bicester Banbury

Oxfordshire County Council
£37035 - £47754
You will manage a caseload tailored to your experience, ensuring that children’s and their families’ voices are heard, and their needs are met. You will work with families using the FSP Workbook modules, and a strengths-based approach, ensuring the As Bicester
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Executive Director of Resources & Governance (S151 Officer)

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Homes, Communities & Environment

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council

Executive Director of Strategy, People & Transformation

Basildon Borough Council
Up to £146,245
Together, we lead. Together, we deliver. Together, we transform. Basildon, Essex
Recuriter: Basildon Borough Council
Linkedin Banner