Summit demands reform

The UK government has come under pressure to tighten up its gambling laws from politicians, campaigners and sportspeople at a gambling summit held in Westminster, London.

Most of the proposals targeted gambling advertising specifically.

A succession of campaigners called on Lisa Nandy, the Labour government’s culture secretary, to impose new restrictions on the betting industry. Most of the proposals targeted gambling advertising specifically.

The summit was convened by Peers for Gambling Reform, an association of members of the UK’s upper house in favour of increased restrictions on gambling. Lord Foster, the group’s chair, stated that Nandy was empowered by the Gambling Act to “[act] quickly to reform gambling advertising, however she decides is appropriate”.

Figures speak out

One of the more notable figures at the event was Iain Duncan Smith, the former leader of the opposition Conservative Party, who were voted out in an election this year after 14 years of rule.

Smith cited a poll by Survation which showed majority support in the UK for a blanket ban on all gambling advertising, saying: “Politicians need to find their way towards the public on this… It’s clear and obvious what can be done and what should be done.”

Premier League has already voluntarily agreed to abandon kit sponsorship by betting companies

Smith also called for further restrictions on gambling operators, including the outlawing of inducements, curtailing gambling advertising in sport, and banning betting companies from sponsoring soccer kids and stadiums. The Premier League has already voluntarily agreed to abandon kit sponsorship by betting companies, but this only affects England’s top-tier soccer competition.

Soccer commentator Clive Tyldesley, also speaking at the event, told attendees that he had left his previous job at radio station TalkSport due to their relentless adverts for gambling companies.

Britain slowly changing

The UK has some of the most liberal gambling laws in Europe, and in 2005, Labour Prime Minister Tony Blair reduced restrictions on advertising even further.

government white paper published in 2023 called for a range of reforms

However, the direction of travel increasingly appears to be in the other direction, with increasing calls for tighter restrictions in the country. A government white paper published in 2023 called for a range of reforms, although the Conservative government at the time rejected the proposals on advertising restrictions.

One other proposal, on affordability checks, is being trialed with a pilot program, with operators liaising with credit reference agencies to determine whether customers are in the financial position to deposit on gambling sites.

So far, the Labour administration has made no concrete proposals on gambling reform, but a government spokesperson said of the event: “Most people gamble without issue, but we recognize the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families, and we are absolutely committed to strengthening protections for those at risk.”