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Advertising Gambling

Gambling firms and broadcasters unite to combat proposed daytime ad ban

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By Seb Joseph, News editor

October 9, 2016 | 3 min read

Bookmakers and broadcasters have slammed a proposed government ban on betting ads airing during daytime TV that they claim would do little to protect children and addicts.

Gambling firms and broadcasters unite to combat proposed daytime ad ban.

Gambling firms and unite to combat proposed daytime ad ban.

While the government has yet to confirm the crackdown, reports emerged last week that a watershed on gambling ads is imminent amid fears they encourage kids to take up betting. Currently, bookmakers are permitted to run ads during daytime TV only if they are for bingo or are aired during breaks in live sporting events.

Said proposal would be part of a wider review the government is reportedly planning that will also investigate the spread of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTS), which have been dubbed the “crack cocaine” of gambling by campaigners.

However, the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), which is backed by Ladbrokes, William Hill and Paddy Power, said a new investigation is not needed following the Department of Culture Media and Sport’s study last year, which concluded there was no evidence for a ban on daytime TV ads.

“All the evidence was considered and it was deemed there wasn’t significant evidence to make a change of that kind,” said RGA chief executive Clive Hawkswood in a statement sent to the Guardian.

“We would never say things can’t be improved but what’s the justification? Some people have a gut reaction and that’s slightly hard to deal with.”

The Advertising Association, the trade body funded by ITV, Channel 4 and Sky, also questioned the need for an investigation. “It’s not unusual for people to propose advertising bans when they’re looking to make a point,” said a spokesperson. “We are open to the conversation and anyone putting new evidence around advertising gambling. Yes, advertising around online gambling has grown significantly but that hasn’t flowed through to any significant increase in problem gambling.”

Broadcasters have earned £162m from gambling TV spot ads already this year, compared to £118m, according to Nielsen figures cited by the Guardian.

Advertising Gambling

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