Neil McArthur, head of the major gambling regulator in the UK has warned gambling operators’ executives that their companies advertising campaigns are being dangerous to young people who could become problem gamblers.
The Conference gathered about 170 executives representing over 100 bookmakers, to which Mr. McArthur explained that competent regulators and authorities have been facing what he called a “significant challenge” to deal with the negative consequences which occurred as a result of gambling addiction among young people. He further urged them to be more responsible to customers’ safety and prevention against gambling-related harm.
You can read Neil McArthur's keynote speech on our website https://t.co/5o3HTLOcx4 #GCRS2018 pic.twitter.com/9jDMYcvA3w
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 8, 2018
The Chief Executive Officer of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) took part at the Raising Standards conference held by the regulator in Birmingham. There, he revealed that more than 25% of young people aged 18 to 25 who own more than one account with gambling operators can be categorised as problem gamblers. According to what he said, a further 50% were at risk of becoming addicted to gambling.
Neil McArthur also highlighted the fact that most advertising in the local media, including the one online, is focused on popularising gambling among local residents, and especially among younger people.
#GCRS2018 pic.twitter.com/JWyGWaPoGB
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 8, 2018
Earlier in November, Sky became the first broadcaster which announced its voluntary decision to put some limits on gambling adverts. It only recently announced its decision to allow only one gambling advert per commercial break, which will come in force from the next football season.
UK Government Still Not Imposing Restrictions on Gambling Ads
The speech given by the head of the UKGC at the Birmingham-based conference could add more fuel in the debate regarding television gambling adverts. For the time being, gambling companies which operate online casinos and sports betting services are allowed to advertise during live sports events before 9:00 PM.
As Casino Guardian has already reported, 2018 World Cup boosted UK online gambling operators’ performance thanks to the large number of gambling ads. At the time when the football competition of the year was held, almost one in five adverts aired during live sports events was a gambling operator advert.
Neil McArthur, opening this year’s conference… #GCRS2018 pic.twitter.com/30N0bRKQc3
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 8, 2018
The last decade has seen a sharp increase in the number of gambling adverts broadcast during live sports events, with their number rising by more than 600%. Despite the fact that gambling addiction experts and anti-gambling campaigners have shared fears that the trend could end up fuelling problem gambling among local residents and make gambling look normal to children and young people, the UK Government has so far refused to take actions and impose a ban on gambling adverts during live sports events aired on TV and online.
CEO Neil McArthur tells the gambling industry… #GCRS2018 pic.twitter.com/ivnGHfOazQ
— Gambling Commission (@GamRegGB) November 8, 2018
That is exactly one of the main reasons why the UKGC CEO wanted to discuss these issues directly with the representatives of gambling operators and insisted that they should make sure that “tangible actions are taken” to address these matters and guarantee that customers are safe.
- Author
Daniel Williams
