As the government is expected to announce a long-awaited gambling reform white paper, a Savanta poll for CARE finds:

• 2 in 3 say "too many" ads during TV matches
• 9 in 10 want regulation of advertising in UK football
• Majority back tougher curbs on gambling industry

*Breakdown for Scotland/NI available

Almost 2 in 3 people think TV coverage of football matches is over-saturated with gambling ads and 9 in 10 want controls on advertising in the beautiful game, a poll shows.

A Savanta poll of UK adults, commissioned by CARE, asked about gambling-related issues as a government white paper on gambling reform is due to be published.

Close to two thirds of respondents who expressed an opinion (64%) said they think “too many” gambling adverts are shown during televised football games.

And almost 9 in 10 (87%) said gambling advertising in UK football “should be overseen by a regulator”. There are currently no limits on betting ads in football.

Support for reforms

There was also strong support for curbs on the gambling industry, which has come under heavy fire in recent months for failing to protect vulnerable customers.

More than 8 in 10 respondents (85%) agreed that a portion of gambling companies’ profits should be used to help people facing addiction.

A large majority of respondents (9 in 10) (87%) also said they support the implementation of checks to prevent people in financial difficulties from placing bets.

And 6 in 10 respondents (66%) said that gambling companies should be prohibited from offering controversial “VIP promotions” to customers.

CARE said the study demonstrates public support for tougher regulation of gambling and called on ministers to pursue “meaningful reform”.

CARE's gambling policy lead, Tim Cairns, said:

“As the government prepares to publish its gambling white paper this timely data illustrates public support for tougher measures, including a levy on gambling company profits, better oversight of advertising in sport, and an end to unethical promotions”.

“We again urge the government to introduce a robust statutory levy on industry profits to help those harmed by industry products. If leaks are accurate and the levy is to be one percent of profit, this will not be enough to help.

“If the government are serious about introducing a levy that will bring change, then it must be set at five percent. This is the minimum required to begin to address the immense harms we are witnessing to individuals, families, and whole communities.

“The public want to see advertising in football properly regulated. It’s striking that nine in ten people want to see power given to a regulator to ensure that gambling during football matches is safe and doesn't lead to more harm.

“People want to see the advertising during football matches reduced. During the average Premier League match a person sees 300 impressions of gambling companies. Two-thirds of the British public think that is too much. Change is needed.

“We know that the gambling industry has a powerful lobby that is working hard to prevent meaningful reform. It is wrong to allow the interests of a few wealthy companies to take precedence over the welfare of millions of people.

“It is not an overstatement to say that people’s lives depend upon the coming reforms. Failing to deliver on behalf of vulnerable Brits after so many delays and setbacks would be inexcusable.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) provides social policy analysis from a Christian perspective. It is spearheading calls for gambling reform at Westminster and has worked closely with members of the NI Assembly to strengthen gambling regulation in NI.

To request an interview, contact: press@care.org.uk

Gambling poll results

Savanta asked 1,004 UK adults five questions about gambling on behalf of CARE at the beginning of April 2023. The results excluding the “not sure” and “I have no opinion” categories are available at the link below. A breakdown is also provided for Scottish and Northern Irish respondents.

Savanta poll for CARE April 2023 | CARE