Labour would ban TV betting ads during live sport as part of problem gambling crackdown

A Labour government would stop betting companies from advertising during live sporting events as part of a wider bid to clampdown on problem gambling, the party has said.



The so-called “whistle to whistle” ban would see bookies unable to push their brand through TV and internet advertising for a specified time before and after a game, and during half time or other breaks.

The party has said it will engage with governing bodies over the proposals, and has previously called on Premier League clubs to halt sponsorships, such as those on players’ shirts, on a voluntary basis.

Stadium hoardings, which can be seen during broadcasting, would be banned from displaying in-play odds, while firms' advertising would have to be counterbalanced by those encouraging responsible gambling.

Sports in which gambling is intrinsic, such as horse-racing, would be excluded from the new rules.

It comes amid a raft of measures Labour believes will help gambling addicts, following a year of consulting those afflicted as well as specialists, charities and the betting industry.

The report proposes making banks help people to self-exclude from betting by allowing them to request that online gambling transactions are blocked.

It also calls for an end to betting on credit cards in a bid to prevent problem gamblers from racking up debts, while clinical guidelines and increased resources for the treatment of gambling addiction would be brought in.

Among the submissions made to Labour’s probe were fears that children could be at risk while those with mental health problems could be more likely to be influenced.

Meanwhile betting firms would be forced to pay a mandatory levy of 1% of Gross Gambling Yield to fund research into problem gambling and treat those with a disorder.

Tom Watson, the Shadow Culture Secretary and Labour’s deputy leader said problem gambling was a “hidden epidemic” but that current regulation was “not up to the job of protecting addicts and those at risk of addiction”.

“Treatment is patchy across the country and too often patients are misdiagnosed and not treated by specialists who can spot the signs of gambling addiction,” he said.

“Gambling companies have to take more responsibility for harm caused by their products and contribute more to research and treatment.

We must also face up to the negative effect the explosion in gambling advertising has had and act accordingly. It’s what any responsible Government looking to address gambling addiction must do.

“The refusal of the current Government to address any of these issues is letting problem gamblers and their families down. Labour’s new policies announced today aim to build a world class framework for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.”