Regional councils are facing increasing pressure from the anti-gambling lobby to implement policies designed to reduce gambling harm within their jurisdictions. Representatives from both Liverpool City Council and Greater London are being urged to “take proactive action”, shmoozing vote-grabbing mayoral and local candidates with the offer of a bandwagon to jump on.
Regional council leaders are facing calls to take decisive action to reduce gambling harm in their municipalities by introducing measures designed to reduce engagement overall, including through advertising.
As Liverpool City Council develops an “evidence-based action plan” in association with Liverpool John Moores University, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has come under fire for not already implementing an advertising ban across TfL.
“Khan has been accused of ‘backtracking’ on his undelivered promise to ban gambling adverts from the Tube network,” reported The Standard. “Four years on, no such ban has been passed, and Sir Sadiq has now said that he will wait for the Government to ‘provide a national framework to addressing this issue’ before taking any action from City Hall.”
Khan faced scrutiny from Caroline Russell, Green member of the London Assembly, as to when an “ethical advertising policy” will be introduced, after the Assembly’s health committee stated in March 2024 that London’s rate of problem gambling is nearly double the national average.
However, Khan said he would await the Government’s decision on the Gambling Review, before “looking further at any implications for TfL’s policy.”
In Liverpool, where the rate of gambling harm is also almost twice the national average, according to which official statistics report is uncertain, the council has already responded to public criticism of its stance on gambling by joining forces with local academics to undertake a new direction in policymaking.
“The research, carried out in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, is a vital step in identifying those most at risk and ensuring they receive the right support,” said cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing, Harry Doyle.
“We are committed to continuing this work alongside our partners, taking proactive action to prevent harm and provide help where it’s needed most.”
