Premier League opening weekend ‘saturated’ with gambling ads

Gambling-related adverts saturated the media during the opening weekend of the English Premier League (EPL) season, a new study has shown.

Research commissioned by 5 News recorded thousands of gambling messages across selected match coverage, TV and radio sports news and social media between 11 and 14 August.

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

‘Staggering’

According to the team from the University of Bristol, the study’s “most compelling revelation is the overwhelming and inescapable nature of gambling messaging during the Premier League weekend”.

the overwhelming and inescapable nature of gambling messaging

Across all media channels, the study “identified a staggering total of 10,999 gambling messages. This translates to an average of 2,750 messages per day or 115 messages every hour”.

Broadcast coverage of six matches that featured during the opening weekend of the EPL season accounted for 63 per cent of all gambling messages recorded, with most adverts containing the logos or brand names of betting firms.

Trigger warning

Speaking to 5 News, recovering gambling addict Michael Chopra, the former Newcastle United and Cardiff City striker, highlighted the impact of gambling logos on his addiction.

He said: “As soon as I stepped off that white line and was sitting in the changing room, I remember a Cardiff City strip – we had a betting company sponsor.

“So, I’m sitting direct across from someone, looking at another player, straight away there’s a trigger.”

Contradiction

Earlier this month, Sport’s Minister Stuart Andrew MP claimed there is no direct link between gambling advertising and gambling-related harm.

But challenging the Minister’s statement, Dr Matt Gaskell – Clinical Lead for The NHS Northern Gambling Service – 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.”