News / gambling
Bristol joins councils across country to say no to gambling ads
Bristol City Council has joined a growing coalition of organisations that are challenging the government to end all gambling advertising.
Our city is among nine other councils across England – Barnet, Blackpool, Brent, Devon, East Suffolk, Enfield, Hackney, Lewisham and Southampton – who follow Haringey, the first council to become part of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) in February.
CEGA is a cross-sector alliance of councils, public health bodies, charities and care providers calling for a comprehensive end to gambling advertising, sponsorship and promotion.
Despite dozens of councils already restricting gambling advertising on the spaces they control, they remain powerless over privately owned spaces including billboards, transport networks, broadcast media and the internet.
Bristol City Council leader, Tony Dyer, said: “Gambling is a popular form of entertainment for many but the negative impact it can have is well documented.
“Bristol City Council recognises this impact and is partnering with CEGA to help protect the vulnerable against the harm gambling advertising can cause.
“Our existing advertising policy already reflects this commitment, and we’re proud to support a wider movement for strong national action.
“By opening up conversations about how deeply embedded gambling has become in our daily lives through advertising, we can work to protect residents locally and, with the support of CEGA and other councils, drive change nationally.”
The gambling industry currently spends around £2bn a year on advertising, exposing millions of people – including children and young people – to harmful marketing.
Some media outlets including the Guardian have voluntarily chosen to reject gambling advertising, as have a number of football clubs; but CEGA says much more needs to be done.
CEGA director, Will Prochaska, said: “It’s inspiring to see councils stepping up to protect the health of their populations where national government is still wanting.
“Councils across the UK are recognising that gambling is a public health crisis fuelled by relentless advertising.
“By joining this coalition, they’re standing up for their communities and sending a clear message: it’s time to stop allowing companies to profit from promoting harmful products. We urge others to follow their lead.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
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