A group of British MPs has called for a significant reduction in the amount of gambling advertising at football stadiums in response to a report from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee (CMS) that exposed a proliferation of such ads.

Stronger Regulations Demanded

The CMS urged the government to impose stricter regulations on gambling advertising in stadiums, emphasizing the need to protect children and problem gamblers from what appears to be a bombardment of brands at football and other sports events.

Ban on Gambling Advertising on Jerseys Not Enough

The committee highlighted an upcoming ban on gambling advertising on Premier League clubs’ jerseys, but argued that this measure does not go far enough to protect children and young spectators, as visible gambling advertising during football matches would only marginally decrease.

Impact of Gambling Operators in the Premier League

The Premier League’s role in the issue of gambling advertising in the UK sports sector is under scrutiny, given that many see it as a standard-setter for other countries. In the 2022/2023 season, eight Premier League clubs had a gambling operator as their jersey sponsor, which brought in approximately £60 million per year.

Call for Ban on Gambling Advertising in Public Spaces

The CMS not only demanded a reduction of gambling advertising in football stadiums but also in various public spaces, including public transportation. The British government, however, has proposed measures on the regulation of gambling advertising in the sports sector that the CMS deems insufficient and in need of revision.

Whether the UK government will consider the CMS’s demands remains to be seen. The regulation of gambling advertising in the UK is a highly debated topic and is far from being resolved.