The UK government has shown a cautious stance on imposing tougher restrictions on gambling advertising, despite recommendations from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS)
Recent responses to the DCMS request highlight a reluctance to go beyond the guidelines set out in the white paper, underlining the need for more convincing evidence before implementing significant changes.
DCMS recommendations on gambling advertising
The DCMS has spoken out about the need to reduce the presence of gambling adverts at sporting events, suggesting the implementation of new rules through the Code of Practice for Gambling Sponsorship. This initiative aims to reduce the volume of gambling advertising displayed in stadiums, aligning with broader efforts to mitigate gambling-related harm.
Government position and future plans
While recognizing the concerns raised by the DCMS, the Government intends to stick to the current regulatory framework described in the White Paper. This approach focuses on curbing predatory advertising practices to protect consumers, with a firm commitment to continuously monitor the industry and evaluate the impact of stadium gambling advertising.
The UK Government has also reiterated its intention to fund independent research into gambling through the statutory levy, ensuring that any policy adjustments are informed by robust and impartial evidence.
Collaboration with regulatory bodies
In its response, the Government expressed its commitment to working closely with key organisations, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Committee of Advertising Practice and the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
The ASA, in particular, recently reminded industry operators to ensure compliance with advertising standards ahead of UEFA EURO 2024, underlining the ongoing focus on promoting responsible gambling.
