London Tube Gambling Advert Ban Delayed

A ban on gambling adverts across the London Underground has been delayed until a national definition of harmful gambling is established, Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed. The decision has led to criticism that he is backtracking on a 2021 manifesto pledge to introduce an "ethical advertising policy" for Transport for London (TfL).

Green Party London Assembly member Caroline Russell questioned Khan on when the policy would be enforced. According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the mayor responded that he wanted to see further details of the government’s plans before taking action.

The delay has sparked frustration, particularly as harmful gambling rates in London are reportedly almost twice the national average. Dr Tom Coffey, a health advisor to the mayor, warned that implementing restrictions based on City Hall’s own definition of harmful gambling could lead to legal challenges. Instead, City Hall has asked the government and public health bodies to establish a national definition, promising to act “as swiftly as possible” once this is in place.

Meanwhile, TfL continues to generate significant revenue from gambling adverts, earning £663,640 from such promotions between April 2022 and March 2023. Some critics have suggested that financial incentives may be contributing to the delay.

Russell, who has heard "devastating" testimonies from those harmed by gambling, questioned the need for further research. "Londoners who struggle with gambling need support. Instead, they are faced with adverts that normalise and glamorise gambling as they travel on the transport network," she said.

A spokesperson for Khan stated that the mayor hopes the new Labour government will provide a national framework for regulating gambling adverts, which he would then consider implementing at a regional level.

The delay comes as the government plans to introduce a statutory levy on gambling operators, with part of the revenue allocated to research on gambling harms. Khan has welcomed the initiative, stating that he was pleased it would examine the impact of advertising.

However, campaigners continue to call for immediate action to protect vulnerable Londoners from gambling-related harm.