SNP MP to lead debate on gambling advertising reforms
An SNP MP will today [Wednesday, 13 March] lead a Westminster
Hall Debate, highlighting the harms of gambling advertising in
sport and the need for urgent UK government
intervention.
, Vice-Chair of the APPG on
Gambling Related Harm, will raise the growing issue of children
gambling, and push for the recognition of gambling as a
health issue.
It is estimated that 80,000 UK children are addicted or at risk
of gambling, on top of the upto 1.4 million UK adults who are
harmed directly by gambling. In total, 20% of the UK population
is harmed directly or indirectly by gambling related harm.
Commenting, said:
“The UK government must finally step up and address the growing
issue of gambling advertising in sport.
"Implementing urgent reforms to tackle the growing problem of
child gambling, and developing a comprehensive strategy across UK
government departments, is the least the Tories should be
doing.
“It is simply not enough to ban gambling advertisements from the
shirts of Premier League teams. All gambling advertisements
must be banned, much in the same way that we banned tobacco
advertising.
“The UK government must listen to cross party MPs, as well
as organisations such as Gambling with Lives and the
testimony of gambling addicts, who are all calling for the reform
of regulation and further support those affected.
“We need to respect the fact that some people may be triggered by
gambling adverts and we need to protect our children.
"We must act, and act now."
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
'Gambling Treatment and
Support'
'Annual GB Treatment and Support
Survey 2021'
'Young People
and Gambling 2023'
https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/statistics-and-research/publication/young-people-and-gambling-2023
