1 in 10 children ‘follow’ betting f irms on phones
AN avalanche of TV commercials for online betting firms is drawing children in to gambling, it is claimed.
Councils are demanding an end to the advertising free-for-all around Premier League football and other TV sport to protect youngsters.
They warn that one in ten children aged 11-15 are now ‘following’ gambling companies on social media. They also say the second highest rate of problem gambling is among those aged 16-24.
Tony Blair’s Labour government opened the door to adverts for sports betting, online casinos and poker in 2007.
Since then, there has been an explosion in the number of TV ads and the sponsorship of events and teams by companies such as Bet365, Paddy Power, Betfair, 888. com and others.
Many use humour, famous faces such as Ray Winstone, free bets and other ‘get rich quick’ inducements to encourage people to gamble on their smartphones.
Everything from the number of corners in a football match to no-balls in a cricket game are the subject of betting markets.
The Local Government Association, which speaks for councils in England and Wales, said: ‘We are concerned that the volume of gambling advertising, including live bet TV adverts during matches, is undermining the Government’s objective of socially responsible growth in the sector.’ The LGA is calltelevision ing for the Government to look at tighter restrictions on gambling advertising.
It also wants the maximum stake on ‘crack cocaine’ betting machines – fixed odds betting terminals – cut from £100 to £2.
And councils want powers to stop betting shops opening in areas which already have a large number. LGA spokesman Simon Blackburn said: ‘Gambling advertising on has rocketed since the Gambling Act in 2007, which is a major concern for councils who are aware of the personal harm gambling can cause.
‘The rise in televised sporting events, such as Premier League football, and gambling advertising means viewers, particularly children, are exposed to increasing amounts of gambling brands and betting messages.
‘While the Gambling Act was intended to position gambling as an acceptable leisure activity, we are concerned that the volume of gambling advertising goes beyond what can be deemed the right balance between socially responsible growth and protecting individuals and communities.’
He said problem gambling can lead to debt, mental health issues, crime and family breakdown, adding: ‘It’s vital that improved social responsibility measures are implemented to help to reduce this.’
The Remote Gambling Association, which speaks for the firms, said the industry is alert to the concerns and would work with ministers to implement any improvements.
‘Debt and family breakdown’