Lords debate Gambling Advertising

This lunchtime the House of Lords have debated the effects of gambling advertisement on children.  A debate proposed by Lord Chadlington (Conservative) raised concerns about the prominence, frequency and appropriateness of Gambling advertising in the UK.

With the Government’s planned review of the Gambling industry scheduled for the autumn Lord Chadlington proposed 4 questions for the government to consider:

• Should gambling advertising be permitted during sporting events.  In Australia an embargo on such advertising is in effect 5 minutes prior to the commencement of, for example, a televised football match until 5 minutes after.  Should more consideration be given to Children’s exposure to such advertising, is the historic 9pm curfew for the majority of gambling advertising still effective?  In the debate the Lords quoted research that the average age from which children watch post 9pm television in now 11 ¾ years old. 
• Is more research required into this issue to provide evidence of the nature / extent of any adverse social impact.
• Are the current health warnings “When the fun stops, stop” or reference to the “Gamble Aware” organisation sufficient?
• Could the government rethink the voluntary 0.1% income donation to Gamble Aware that Operators are asked to contribute?

The Lords approved this motion. 

A link to the debate and a copy of the debate including contributions from Lord Sugar can be found here.

The full report Gambling Advertisement: Effect of Children can be read here.