GambleAware Report Highlights Concern Over Gambling Ads, Calls for Regulation
A recent report by GambleAware, in collaboration with Ipsos, reveals a significant public demand for stricter gambling advertisement regulations. The report also highlights concerns over the impact of gambling ads on society. In addition, it calls for robust actions to mitigate gambling-related harm.
- 74% of survey respondents advocate for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements on social media. 72% support tighter controls on television ads.
- Concerns over the impact of gambling ads on children are prominent. 66% were worried about this issue and 61% opposed gambling logos on football shirts.
- Among participants experiencing gambling problems, 79% were prompted to gamble by ads. Additionally, over half found ads make reducing gambling difficult.
- Recommendations include a pre-watershed ban on gambling advertisements, health warnings on all ads, and banning gambling marketing at sports events.
- 64% of individuals facing gambling issues have not sought help. The stigma and a desire for independence were cited as the main barriers to curbing problem gambling.
- The majority perceive instant win games and scratchcards as highly addictive. Online slots were also a cause for concern among the respondents.
In an era where gambling advertisements are omnipresent on our screens and at our sporting events, the latest report from GambleAware, crafted with research support from Ipsos, sheds light on public opinion and the cry for change. Garnering insights from 4,207 adults, the findings underscore a societal push towards safeguarding communities, especially the youth, from the potential hazards of unregulated gambling ads.
The Public Speaks: Tighten the Reins on Gambling Ads
The voice of the people is clear: the call for regulation is loud. Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed advocated for stricter controls over the gambling advertisements that populate social media and television. The concern extends beyond mere annoyance at the frequency of ads. There’s a deep-seated worry about their pervasive impact, particularly on impressionable young minds. With 67% deeming there to be an overload of gambling promos and a significant majority uneasy about children’s exposure to such content, it’s hard to ignore the collective unease.
A Closer Look at Gambling’s Seductive Lure
Dig deeper into the numbers, and an even more compelling narrative unfolds, especially among those grappling with gambling problems. A startling 79% of this demographic conceded that advertising spurred them to gamble. What's more, over half of respondents struggle to curtail their gambling habits due to the irresistible allure of ads. The entwining of football with gambling promotions further compounds the issue, making sports viewing a potential trigger for placing bets.
Beyond Advertisements: The Struggle to Open Up
The report also ventures into the less discussed territories of shame and isolation that shroud gambling issues. A majority have kept silent about their struggles, deterred by stigma or a desire to conquer their battles alone. Yet, those who broke the silence often found solace and improvement in their situations. This underscores the importance of support and open conversation.
GambleAware Report is a Call to Action
With the evidence laid bare, GambleAware doesn’t just diagnose the problem; it prescribes a course of action. Key recommendations include enforceable pre-watershed bans on gambling ads across all media, the inclusion of health warnings to educate and inform and an unequivocal ban on gambling sponsorships in sports. The latter is a measure partially embraced by Premier League clubs but needs expansion.
A Society at Crossroads with Gambling
As we navigate the digital age, the findings from GambleAware and Ipsos prompt a reflection on the societal impact of gambling and the collective responsibility towards regulation and support. With a public mandate clear, the path forward calls for decisive action to mitigate gambling-related harm. The call is to foster an environment where the excitement of the game doesn’t overshadow the well-being of the community.
Peter is our Editor-in-Chief at Gamblingauthority. He has more than eigth years of experience from the iGaming industry and is a valuable resource for everything related to online casinos.
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