GambleAware, a U.K. nonprofit funded by donations from the U.K. gambling industry, has recommended that “smoking-style warnings” be included in ads for bookmakers and online casinos, the Guardian reported June 10.
GambleAware is the U.K.’s largest gambling charity. It warns that the large-scale marketing expected during the Euro 2024 soccer tournament could increase gambling addiction.
GambleAware calls the industry-approved “Take Time To Think” inadequate for fighting addiction. It has drawn up its own guidelines, drawing on research that it says shows that wall-to-wall gambling ads during tournaments make it harder for addicts to stop.
GambleAware’s independence has often been questioned because it is largely funded by the industry, however, this latest argument by the non profit could put it in front of that same industry, yelling “stop!”
It prefers warnings such as “Gambling can be addictive” and “Gambling comes at a cost” like what might be found on a pack of cigarettes.
The Betting & Gaming Council (BGC), which came up with the slogan, says it was done in consultation with the government and academia. A spokesman told the Guardian: “The white paper committed to review customer messaging, including those provided by industry, and we look forward to engaging on that work with whoever forms the next government.”
Alexia Clifford, chief communications officer at GambleAware, told the Guardian: “We hope the health warnings and clear signposting set out in these new guidelines will ensure that people are clear about the risks of gambling and where to go for help and support should they need it.”
