Amsterdam's new ban on public advertisements for meat and fossil fuel products has sparked a debate about whether the UK should adopt similar restrictions. While there are many ads that irritate, from the persistent 'See it, say it, sorted' to overly friendly bank commercials, one type stands out as particularly harmful: gambling advertising.
The Case Against Gambling Ads
Emma Beddington, a Guardian columnist, argues that gambling ads are grotesquely disingenuous and cynical. They portray high street slot shops and online gaming sites as glamorous fun, but the reality is far darker. The star-studded Paddy Power ad featuring Danny Dyer, which suggests betting on your phone is like a glitzy trip to Vegas crossed with a Guy Ritchie movie, is especially egregious. Celebrities who took a payout for such ads should be ashamed, as should companies that illegally targeted problem gamblers with thousands of emails.
Research and Public Opinion
Research shows a direct link between exposure to gambling advertising and increased gambling activity. This is exactly what advertisers want, but not what the public wants. Polling data released in January 2025 found that 70% of people want tougher regulation, and 27% support an outright ban. The real-life consequences are severe: slot shops cluster in deprived areas, and gambling addictions can lead to financial ruin and even death.
Gambling ads are worse than fast food ads, which have faced restrictions. It's time for the UK to follow Amsterdam's lead and rein in such advertising. The ban on meat and fossil fuel ads in Amsterdam shows that change is possible, and the UK should consider similar measures to protect vulnerable individuals from the harms of gambling.
