BGC calls for increased pressure on social media companies to implement stricter controls on gambling advertisements

The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) is calling for cooperation to effectively reduce the exposure of minors and individuals suffering from gambling harm to gambling marketing. This cooperation is sought from both social media companies and the government.

In a letter addressed to the UK’s culture secretary, Lucy Frazer, BGC chief executive Michael Dugher has urged her to put pressure on social media companies. The letter acknowledges the government’s objective of minimizing gambling advertising among individuals under 25 and emphasizes that achieving this goal is dependent on the cooperation of social media platforms.

Dugher highlighted the progress made thus far, such as the introduction of options allowing social media users to opt out of receiving betting and gaming marketing. However, he stressed the need for further collaboration, requesting the culture secretary’s assistance in urging social media platforms to cooperate with the BGC and make necessary functionalities available to protect the most vulnerable.

Additionally, the BGC has expanded its efforts beyond the UK by coordinating with European operators through the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA). This collaboration will lead to the European Safer Gambling Week 2023, scheduled to take place from November 13 to 19, alongside the traditional UK Safer Gambling Week coordinated with Bacta, The Lotteries Council, and The Bingo Association.