Betting advertising almost trebled on the opening weekend of the 2024 English Premier League compared to the start of the previous year according to a new report.
Analysing UK Premier League coverage on TV, radio, and social media and including on shirt and visible stadium advertising during the games, researchers counted more than 29,000 gambling messages according – a 165% increase on last season.
Former England goalkeeper and most capped male player, Peter Shilton, who is also a former gambling addict told the BBC that the gambling industry is “out of control and can’t regulate itself.”
Meanwhile, the co-author of the report which was funded by a grant from the Gamble Aware charity., Dr. Rafaello Rossi from the University of Bristol Business School said, “”Just a few months ago, a new code of conduct was published by the industry, external to curb marketing during football events, but the policy has had no impact on the volume whatsoever”
“It’s clear that the industry’s attempt to self-regulate is wholly inadequate and tokenistic. Despite having had years to put in place effective measures to protect consumers, the gambling industry continues to prioritize profit over safety.”
Highlighting that West Ham United’s opening game against Aston Villa contained close to 6,500 gambling messages equating to around 30 per minute.
The report was criticized by the Betting and Gaming Council representing the gambling industry saying it, “fundamentally misunderstands both advertising and the way in which it is strictly regulated”.
A spokesperson for the UK Government said, “We recognize the impact harmful gambling can have on individuals and their families and are absolutely committed to strengthening protections for those at risk.
“Ministers are currently considering the full range of gambling policy, including on advertising and sponsorship, and will update in due course.”
