Great Britain lagging behind in gambling regulations

A recent report by the UK charity GambleAware highlights how Great Britain is lagging behind many European nations in regulating gambling advertisements, specifically those targeting vulnerable audiences.

According to the report, Great Britain’s current policies are more lenient than measures in other European countries, where stringent restrictions have been introduced to protect public health and reduce the societal impact of gambling.

In Europe, countries like Italy, Spain, and Belgium have implemented rigorous restrictions on gambling advertising.

These include bans on broadcast ads and the prohibition of celebrity endorsements to minimise gambling's appeal, especially among young people and those at risk of addiction.

In contrast, Great Britain’s regulations are comparatively relaxed, allowing for widespread advertising, including during live sports events, which GambleAware argues could increase gambling exposure among young people and other vulnerable groups.

GambleAware calls for more protective measures to reduce gambling-related harm, suggesting that the UK government consider policies similar to those in Europe.

The charity urges further restrictions on advertising and increased funding for public health initiatives to address rising problem gambling rates in the UK, particularly among younger demographics.