Public Health Chief Peter Roderick Wants Clampdown On Gambling Adverts
A leading public health figure in the UK says there needs to be a fresh crackdown on gambling advertisements due to the potential harms caused by the industry.
Gambling among young people is a problem in parts of the UK © Kaysha/Unsplash
Key Facts:
- City of York Council’s public health chief Peter Roderick called for regulation changes for the sector
- He noted how tobacco ads have already been banned in the UK
- Roderick: data on extent of gambling is the tip of the iceberg
- New report found that more than one in 10 young people in the city of York had gambled
City of York Council’s public health chief Peter Roderick was speaking after the launch of a new report that shows more than one in 10 young people aged between 10 and 19 in the city had gambled, which he described as the “tip of the iceberg”.
Research found that 16% of young people in York had gambled, while the report revealed a quarter of those who gambled have taken money without permission to do so.
Another key finding of the study was that 15% had experienced a conflict with friends and members of their family over their gambling.
Roderick said: “We need to educate and support young people and get in really early by talking about gambling with them.”
Relaxation Of Regulations
Roderick pointed out that tobacco, which has been compared to gambling in terms of the potential damage to public harm, has already seen its adverts banned back in 2002.
The York public health chief noted how changes in regulations coupled with technological developments have opened the door to make gambling easier than ever before.
Roderick told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The government at the time didn’t anticipate the advent of the smartphone and that we’d all essentially be able to have a super casino in our pocket.”
Gambling adverts are rife in the UK across varying forms of media, many of which target a younger audience.
Roderick added: “The number of gambling adverts you see is really noticeable and that’s affecting children.”
Statutory Levy
In response to the research from York, the government issued a statement noting the action it is taking on gambling in the UK, which includes a new statutory levy.
A Department for Culture, Media & Sport spokesperson said: “We recognise the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and we are absolutely committed to strengthening protections for those at risk, including children and young people.”
“The government has already announced plans to bring in a statutory levy on gambling profits to generate £100m for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling harms.”
“There are already a range of robust rules in place on gambling adverts, wherever they appear, but ministers continue to consider the best available evidence in this area to inform effective action as needed.”
Slot stake limits have also been introduced, with young people not able to spend as much on a spin of the reels at online casinos as older adults.
