Ban gambling advertising

I DO not often find myself in agreement with the Labour Party nowadays, but the recent proposal by Tom Watson, its Deputy Leader, to outlaw “in-play” betting adverts, gets almost my full support (“Labour would ban in-play betting adverts, says Watson”, The Herald, September 20). I say almost, because I in turn would propose a complete ban on the advertising of betting. My opinion is not based on any moral judgment, but is purely in the interests of the common good.

Since alcohol and tobacco advertising is banned, because it is deemed to be injurious to health and wellbeing, then surely excessive gambling must also fall into this category. I have seen too many instances of good people falling into the gambling trap, with the resultant loss of businesses or jobs, homes and in some cases families, therefore anything which encourages this pitfall, such as advertising, should not only be discouraged but should not be allowed.

I realise that thousands of folks enjoy a harmless flutter on sports, such as horse racing and football, with no harmful effects to their lives or to that of their dependants, however they do not require to be pressured into any further involvement beyond that. Tantalising, mind-bending and relentless promotions such as so-called “free” betting shots can easily tempt the unwary to become more heavily involved and as losses mount they may then turn to unscrupulous loan services to become even further embroiled in a downward spiral into financial disaster. For such advertising to carry a very fleeting, innocuous and worthless tag line to the effect that “if the fun stops, stop”, is a very poor compliance with regulations, which I am certain has no effect whatsoever.

Ian Cooper,

Flat 3/3, 1 Jackson Place,

Bearsden.