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The debate about gambling adverts and their possible effect on young people has been getting increasingly heated for some time and it shows no sign of letting up.
Internal Opponents
Unlike most arguments within iGaming, where operators tend to fall on the other side of the fence to critics of the industry, even some industry insiders have spoke out about the problem, with Chief Executive of William Hill, Philip Bowcock, who had previously stated that he would be on board with a “curb” on gambling adverts, saying:“Some sort of change is needed, but that has to be led by government. It’s incumbent on them to step up to the plate and have a serious discussion about it.”Peter Jackson, Chief Executive of Paddy Power, echoed Bowcock statement that the industry needed to change, but needed Governmental help:“Even if progressive operators agree to restrict ads, unless there’s legislation passed, less responsible operators step in and continue advertising.”
Governmental Responsibility
The UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport, has said that a lack of evidence means that laws restricting gambling adverts, which are currently allowed prior to the watershed in the UK as long as they are attached to specific sporting events.However, Simon Thomas, Chief Executive of the Hippodrome Casino in London, disagrees, saying:“There are valid concerns with regard to the exposure of children to a high number of gambling adverts, particularly where they are linked to glamorous activities or high-profile role models such as Premiership footballers or professional cricketers,”“Where children are concerned, we need to set a lower threshold of risk and be more prepared to employ the precautionary principle.”It is clear that the pressure on the government will continue to increase, and this debate will go on.