UK Labour Government faces critical crossroads over gambling in British sport

Pressure is mounting on the UK Labour government as it faces a pivotal decision: whether to prioritise public welfare or continue allowing widespread promotion of gambling in British sport.

In a report by The Guardian , Labour ministers are under increasing pressure to implement stricter regulations on gambling advertising, especially concerning its relationship with sports. This push is driven by various campaigners, MPs, and sports figures, all urging the current government to overturn the previous administration’s decision not to tighten gambling ad controls. The debate centres on the widespread promotion of gambling, which, in the view of many, targets vulnerable groups, including children.

At a summit near the Houses of Parliament , experts emphasised the urgent need for stricter gambling marketing controls. Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith highlighted public support for a total ban on gambling advertisements, though he stopped short of endorsing it. He urged the government to restrict gambling incentives like “free” bets and limit the exposure of betting ads in sports, such as through sponsorship deals on football kits and stadium advertising.

Premier League clubs, in a voluntary move, have agreed to remove betting sponsors from the front of their shirts by the end of the 2024 season. However, this measure does not cover other ad placements like hoardings or lower-tier football leagues. Mark Palios, former CEO of the Football Association and chair of Tranmere Rovers FC , criticised this half-hearted approach, arguing that children supporting lower league clubs deserve equal protection from gambling advertisements... [Read more]