Northern Ireland demands for crackdown on gambling advertising

Anchal Verma November 4, 2024

SiGMA news

Northern Ireland’s All-Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling is calling on the Westminster Government to put immediate restrictions on gambling advertising.

APG members are urging the UK government to consider similar advertising regulations recently implemented in the Republic of Ireland, which aim to reduce gambling-related harm and protect vulnerable populations.

Praising for stronger safeguards

APG Chair Philip McGuigan MLA speaking at a recent launch, advocated for the recent Gambling Reform Act in the Republic of Ireland saying, “This is the first comprehensive reform of gambling law in the south of Ireland in almost seventy years. “These changes, including a 5.30 am to 9.00 pm watershed on when gambling advertising can be broadcast on television and radio and a de facto ban on gambling-related social media content, will provide protection to those who may be at risk of gambling harm. The legislation also specifically prohibits advertising for gambling which may be attractive to children.”

Northern Ireland’s legislative gaps

Vice Chair Robbie Butler MLA said, “Northern Ireland now stands alone as the only jurisdiction on these islands without updated gambling legislation since the advent of the internet.

“We know that unfortunately the Northern Ireland executive does not have sufficient legislative time in this assembly mandate to take forward a gambling bill. However, there are steps that the government at Westminster can take now to protect the public in Northern Ireland and elsewhere from gambling harms. “The Government has the power under existing laws to introduce restrictions on gambling advertising in the UK similar to those in the Republic. This would prevent our children from being bombarded with gambling-related marketing during sports broadcasts and those already experiencing gambling harm from being targeted by gambling companies on social media.” The APG’s push for advertising restrictions is backed by recent research highlighting the dangers of widespread gambling marketing exposure. A joint study by Maynooth University and Ulster University found that young people across Ireland are frequently exposed to gambling promotions, particularly through sports and social media. Another report from Bristol University revealed that betting advertisements tripled during the Premier League’s opening weekend, sparking concerns over the impact of such pervasive marketing.

While the Northern Ireland executive lacks the time to enact its own gambling bill, Westminster has the legislative power to address the issue on a UK-wide level. APG members argue that adopting Ireland’s advertising restrictions would be a crucial step in protecting Northern Ireland’s youth and the wider public from gambling-related harm.