Betting Firms Urged NOT To Push Betting Ads On Footballs Return

Today marks the day we see Premier League football return to our screens after a three month break due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Director of NHS England has warned betting firms not to act ‘reckless’ with advertising campaigns in a bid to stop the already stretched NHS being overwhelmed in these difficult times.

Overwhelm Services

Currently, there are 14 clinics across the country dedicated to treating mental health illness due to gambling related harm, Claire Murdoch, NHS England director of mental health fears the exploitation of gambling ads would overwhelm clinics and NHS staff.

Murdoch said, “ The return of football will be a moment of excitement for millions but it must not be an excuse for gambling firms to open the floodgates of addiction.”

It’s been a difficult time for the population after being in lockdown for the last three months and the return of football is a welcome relief for many. The NHS have stepped up and focused on protection of vulnerable people during this time but the fact football is returning to our screens is a real worry if aggressive advertising campaigns are permitted to go ahead.

“ We don’t want to see over the next 48 hours is firms kicking off more aggressive advertising to make up for lost time.”

Betting and Gaming Council Hits Back

Chief Executive for the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) Michael Dugher, who represents gambling firms has hit back at Murdoch’s comments. He reiterated the whistle-to-whistle ban on TV advertising during live sport with 20% of TV and radio advertising now promoting responsible gambling and £100m ploughed in to research, education and treatment.

He said,

“ Rather than trying to once again grab alarmist headlines with her deliberately incendiary media interventions, Claire should take up our offer, made to her back in January, to speak to the industry about her concerns.”