Health 19h 52m left
Should adverts for betting and gambling apps be banned?
Gambling advertising is legal in Great Britain for operators licensed by the Gambling Commission. Adverts must follow ASA codes, including a ban on strong appeal to under-18s (since 2022) and social responsibility rules. A 2023 white paper did not propose a ban. In September 2026 a House of Lords committee urged a comprehensive ban on gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship, with some exemptions such as the National Lottery and horse racing. The industry says a ban would push customers to illegal operators.
7 Opinions
The ASA guidelines are enough. Stop this nanny state authoritarianism.
Funding for sport and media shouldn’t be reliant on human suffering and misery.
They should be controlled, both in frequency and content
If we accept that the free market shouldn't be allowed to aggressively advertise alcohol and cigarettes because of the societal damage they cause, gambling should be treated exactly the same. They all fuel life ruining addictions, and betting apps shouldn't get a special pass to avoid basic regulation.
Gambling is very dangerous, I have seen first hand what it can do to people. Advertising is constant, relentless and continues to grow, whilst those that have suffered from addiction seem to be ever more forgotten. Gambling can be fun, but the danger of escalation is very real and devastating.
Gambling is legal, except there also an extensive illegal gambling network. The legal network has a significant framework of checks and balances. Banning adverts could lead to more using illegal gambling sites.