GambleAware Advocates for Stronger Warnings on Gambling Ads During Euro 2024
GambleAware believes that adverts for bookmakers and online casinos should include warnings similar to those found on cigarette packets.
LISTEN TO THIS ARTICLE:The UK’s leading gambling charity, GambleAware, believes that adverts for bookmakers and online casinos should include warnings similar to those found on cigarette packets. This comes as the charity anticipates a surge in gambling marketing during the Euro 2024 football tournament, which may make it more difficult for individuals with gambling problems who are trying to cut down or quit completely.
GambleAware has criticized the current industry-approved slogan, “Take Time To Think”, saying that it is “inadequate.” The charity has produced its own guidelines based on research showing that the proliferation of betting adverts, especially during major football events, can make it harder for addicts to stop gambling.
Potential Conflict with Betting Industry
While GambleAware is funded by industry donations, which has led to speculation over its independence, the charity’s call to end the “Take Time To Think” message may set it against industry operators who developed the slogan through their lobby group, the Betting & Gaming Council (BGC).
The “Take Time To Think” slogan replaced the previously criticized “When the fun stops, stop.” The BGC defended the current slogan, stating it was created after consultation with the government, academics, and GambleAware to find the most effective way to promote responsible betting.
GambleAware is calling for gambling adverts to feature new, “clear” health warnings, with messages such as “Gambling can be addictive” and “Gambling comes at a cost”.
A YouGov survey for GambleAware found that over half of those experiencing gambling problems say that seeing adverts makes it difficult to cut down. Similarly, 55% reported feeling unable to escape gambling adverts.
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Questions over Future Funding
While industry donations to GambleAware, which reached £50m last year, are voluntary, this system has allowed operators to avoid a mandatory levy. The Conservative government had planned to replace this voluntary system with a statutory levy to raise more funds for research, education, and treatment as part of a white paper on gambling reform published last year.
However, this proposal remains uncertain due to Rishi Sunak’s decision to call a summer election. Labour has not yet confirmed if it will implement the levy plan if it wins the general election.
In the meantime, the BGC has defended its current messaging:
The ‘Take Time To Think’ campaign was launched after extensive customer research, as well as engagement with academics, government, operators, and stakeholders including GambleAware on the most effective way of encouraging responsible betting. The white paper committed to reviewing customer messaging, including those provided by the industry, and we look forward to engaging in that work with whoever forms the next government.
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