A growing wave of local authorities across Britain are intensifying their fight against the pervasive influence of gambling advertising. Ten new councils – representing communities from Barnet to Southampton – have recently joined the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), bolstering the group’s campaign for stricter national regulations.
This surge in support underscores a deepening concern that gambling advertising is directly linked to significant harm within communities. CEGA argues that the consequences extend far beyond financial losses, impacting the social and mental well-being of residents.
The coalition points to compelling research from Oxford University, revealing a clear connection between exposure to gambling advertisements and negative outcomes. The study highlights increased risks of unemployment, physical disability, and even premature mortality among those frequently exposed to these promotions.
For councils like Hackney, the issue is particularly acute. They champion a “health in all policies” approach, recognizing gambling-related harm as a hidden yet devastating problem, especially among vulnerable populations. The sheer ubiquity of gambling ads – plastered across digital and traditional media – makes avoidance nearly impossible.
CEGA is advocating for a shift in power, demanding that local authorities gain greater control over gambling advertising within their jurisdictions. Currently, operators enjoy significant exemptions, allowing campaigns to flourish on billboards, public transport, and various media platforms without local oversight.
The movement echoes recent cross-council pressure in London to ban gambling advertising on the city’s transport network. This unified stance signals a growing determination to prioritize public health and protect communities from the potential harms of unchecked gambling promotion.
Will Prochaska, Director of CEGA, emphasized the significance of this growing coalition, stating that these councils are sending a powerful message: it’s time to stop prioritizing profit over the well-being of citizens. He urged other local authorities to join their cause.
The future of these efforts, however, remains uncertain. Whether national leaders in London and Westminster will heed these calls for increased regulation and acknowledge the extent of the public harm remains to be seen.
