Evangelical Alliance challenges Government 'double standards' on casino advertising

No such thing as ‘socially responsible’ advertising of gambling

18 July 2006

The Evangelical Alliance has expressed concern over the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice’s controversial decision to permit the advertising of gambling and casinos on TV.

This is currently a provisional decision and we hope it will be overturned in the light of public and professional opinion. A recent poll confirmed an NOP survey carried out in 2003 that over 80% of the public think there are enough opportunities to gamble already without promoting it even more on TV.

Gareth Wallace, Westminster Parliamentary Officer for the Evangelical Alliance, said “It was Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell who stated that ‘Gambling is not an industry like any other. What can be a harmless pastime for one person can be a life-destroying addiction for another.’

He continued; “This smacks of a lack of joined up government, reminiscent of the controversial liberalisation of licensing hours vis-à-vis anti social behaviour. It also features marked double standards since the Government is keen to ban all tobacco advertising. But gambling is just as damaging to the nation’s health.”

“The consequences of problem gambling are well documented in respect of personal and family costs. We are disappointed that the Committee did not exercise greater moral and social responsibility. There can be no ‘socially responsible’ advertising of gambling, which can be highly addictive. Children will be able to view gambling advertisements on TV and in public spaces.”

Advertisements promoting gambling have already sprung up on billboards across the nation; these are actually illegal under existing law which is, already, not being enforced. Ironically, many will consider this recommendation to promote gambling as being heavily influenced by the Exchequer’s desperation to replace lost tobacco revenue.