UPDATE: Five London councils have urgently called on Mayor Sadiq Khan to ban gambling advertisements on the London Underground. This significant push, led by the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), aims to protect vulnerable communities from the pervasive influence of gambling advertising.
The councils—Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney, and Lewisham—join Haringey, which initiated the movement earlier this year. These local authorities are seeking to limit gambling promotions, particularly in high-traffic areas like public transport, where exposure is unavoidable.
Government statistics reveal alarming figures: 2.7% of UK adults, approximately 1.4 million people, struggle with gambling addiction. Further, the Department of Health and Social Care estimates that between 117 and 496 suicides annually in England are linked to gambling-related issues.
The financial stakes are high; the gambling industry is valued at a staggering £2 billion spent yearly on advertising alone. In 2024, the World Health Organisation echoed calls for global public health strategies to mitigate gambling risks, highlighting a growing consensus for reform.
Polling data from CEGA indicates widespread support among the public, with 70% of over 2,000 British adults advocating for a ban or severe restriction on gambling ads. Moreover, 68% believe children should be shielded from such advertisements entirely.
CEGA Director Will Prochaska emphasized the urgency of this coalition, stating, “Councils are standing up for their communities and sending a clear message: it’s time to stop allowing companies to profit from promoting harmful products. We urge others to follow their lead.”
Councillor Chris Kennedy of Hackney Council reiterated this sentiment, stating, “Gambling-related harm is often a highly stigmatized issue affecting some of our most deprived citizens. Our advertising policy will not support material that promotes gambling products, services, or organizations.”
In response to these growing calls, a Transport for London (TfL) spokesperson confirmed that all advertisements on their network must adhere to the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) code, which imposes specific regulations on gambling campaigns. They noted that an independent review commissioned by the Greater London Authority’s public health unit has identified gaps in the current understanding of harmful gambling advertising.
As this situation develops, the pressure mounts on Mayor Khan to take decisive action. Councils are rallying to protect their constituents from the dangers of gambling exposure, emphasizing the urgent need for policy changes to safeguard public health.
Stay updated with the latest developments and responses from local authorities and TfL as this critical issue unfolds.
