Govt Minister claims ‘there’s little evidence linking gambling ads to harm’

A Government Minister has claimed there is no direct link between gambling advertising and gambling-related harm.

Speaking before the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Stuart Andrew MP said that if evidence emerged proving a connection, the Government “will look at that”.

The Christian Institute has criticised the Government’s long-delayed gambling review for failing to tackle gambling advertising.

£1.5 billion

Highlighting the £1.5 billion a year spent by betting companies on advertising, Committee member Dr Rupa Huq MP asked Mr Andrew why the Government did not go “further in curbs” on this.

The Sport’s Minister replied: “there’s little evidence that exposure to advertising alone causes people to enter into gambling harm”.

Although, he conceded, there is “clear evidence” that “personalised direct marketing can pose a risk” to problem gamblers.

Contradiction

But Consultant Psychologist Dr Matt Gaskell – Clinical Lead for The NHS Northern Gambling Service – challenged the Minister’s claim.

He argued: “The evidence is clear that gambling advertising drives consumption, which increases harm.

“This is well known internationally, and as a result many European countries have taken action to protect their communities with stringent advertising curbs.

“Our children, young people, and those experiencing harm or in recovery continue to be exposed to ubiquitous gambling advertising, and the Government have chosen to expose them to harm.”

‘Black hole’

Earlier this year, the Institute’s Ciarán Kelly said: “If the Government is really serious about stopping kids and other vulnerable people from being sucked into a gambling black hole, then it has to do more – and do it now.”

“That includes tackling the bombardment of gambling advertising”, he added.

The Government has indicated that it is not aiming to implement its key measures before summer 2024.