johnnyblack
Member
A London woman, Tracy O’Shaughnessy, is leading a campaign to ban gambling ads nationwide after her husband racked up £85,000 in gambling debt. She has teamed up with Haringey Council, which recently joined the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) to push for tougher restrictions. The council estimates that over 8,000 residents suffer from gambling harm, affecting 25,000 more, and spends £8 million annually on related issues like homelessness and healthcare.
In a debate last October, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the government’s approach of balancing gambling with protections, but CEGA’s director, Will Prochaska, argued that expanding the industry contradicts harm prevention. The government maintains that gambling ads are under strict review. Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council enforces an industry code for responsible advertising, last updated in September 2023. Labour’s 2024 manifesto includes plans to tackle gambling harm and reform regulations. With growing pressure from campaigners and councils, stricter advertising rules could be introduced soon.
In a debate last October, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy defended the government’s approach of balancing gambling with protections, but CEGA’s director, Will Prochaska, argued that expanding the industry contradicts harm prevention. The government maintains that gambling ads are under strict review. Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council enforces an industry code for responsible advertising, last updated in September 2023. Labour’s 2024 manifesto includes plans to tackle gambling harm and reform regulations. With growing pressure from campaigners and councils, stricter advertising rules could be introduced soon.