Online casino withdraws TfL ads following criticism of harm to children

Betting firm 888 Casino has axed some of its adverts after coming under fire for promoting gambling on London public transport.

Transport for London (TfL) previously blocked promotions encouraging unhealthy eating, but accepted 888’s adverts: “This carriage is now a casino” and “Fancy a spin?”.

Following criticism of the impact on children, the gambling firm admitted the campaign “could be interpreted in a different manner to the brand position we aim for” and agreed to withdraw “certain adverts”.

‘Inappropriate’

Posting on X, Peers for Gambling Reform responded: “Good to hear that @888casino will be removing these dangerous and inappropriate adverts after our calls for them to do so. Government needs to do far more at tackling gambling advertisement – enough is enough.”

Good to hear that @888casino will be removing these dangerous and inappropriate adverts after our calls for them to do so.

Government needs to do far more at tackling gambling advertisement – enough is enough. https://t.co/2Loei56aZs

— Peers for Gambling Reform (@pgreform) April 30, 2024

During the last two years, gambling companies have paid almost £1.8 million to advertise on TfL.

A London Labour spokesperson stated: “City Hall commissioned an independent review of existing research on harmful gambling to help develop understanding of this subject. Further policy work is under way and will be considered carefully”.

In 2017, 888 was handed a then record fine of £7.8 million after it failed to block users who wanted to stop gambling. The firm also owns William Hill, which was fined £19.2 million last year.

Kids

Last month, GambleAware warned that urgent Government action is required to protect children from exposure to gambling.

Research commissioned by the charity found that children were introduced to gambling through gambling imagery, online games and advertisements, and by family members and friends.

Among the 89 participants, one boy aged 15-16 remarked: “888 Casino advertising, they make it look like a game, it does not look like gambling”.

Based on the research, GambleAware concluded that “the current way in which gambling is portrayed in everyday life, in culture, and in advertising, is failing to communicate the risks to children”.