Northern Ireland Pushes for Stricter Gambling Ad Restrictions

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s All-Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling is urging Westminster to introduce tougher gambling advertising restrictions, aiming to protect youth and vulnerable individuals from the risks of gambling exposure. Inspired by the recent Gambling Reform Act in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland’s APG seeks similar protections, highlighting Northern Ireland as the only region in the UK and Ireland without modern gambling legislation tailored to the digital age.

Northern Ireland Urges Stricter Gambling Ad Restrictions to Protect Youth

In a recent address, APG Chair Philip McGuigan MLA highlighted the urgent need for updated gambling regulations in Northern Ireland, especially given the rapid expansion of gambling advertising across media. The APG is pressing Westminster to adopt measures like those in the Republic of Ireland, where new legislation includes a watershed for gambling ads and comprehensive restrictions on marketing that could appeal to children.

Key Points:

• The APG is advocating for Westminster to impose stricter gambling advertising laws, mirroring Ireland’s recent reforms.
• Republic of Ireland’s Gambling Reform Act includes a watershed from 5.30am to 9.00pm and bans child-focused gambling ads.
• Research highlights high gambling ad exposure among youth, particularly via sports broadcasts and social media.

Ireland’s Comprehensive Gambling Reforms: A Model for Northern Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland’s Gambling Reform Act is the first significant overhaul of its gambling laws in nearly 70 years, introducing measures to control when and how gambling advertising can reach audiences. These include a watershed preventing gambling ads on TV and radio from 5.30am to 9.00pm and banning gambling-related content that may appeal to children on social media. APG Chair McGuigan lauded these changes, emphasizing the benefits of targeted restrictions in reducing gambling harm.

“We know Northern Ireland is the only jurisdiction on these islands without updated gambling legislation,” said Robbie Butler MLA, APG Vice Chair. He urged Westminster to act, noting that the existing powers within UK law could allow for similar advertising restrictions to be applied across Northern Ireland.

Academic Research Underscores Risks of Gambling Ads to Youth

Several academic studies provide a strong case for these new restrictions, revealing high levels of gambling ad exposure among young people. Research from Maynooth University and Ulster University shows that young people in both Northern Ireland and the Republic are frequently exposed to gambling promotions, especially during sports broadcasts and on social media. Further findings from Bristol University documented a nearly threefold increase in betting ads during the Premier League season’s opening weekend, underscoring the prevalence of gambling marketing linked to popular sports events.

The APG’s recommendations align with these findings, urging stricter controls to prevent gambling ads during youth-favored broadcasts and on social media channels often accessed by minors. Such changes could mitigate the risks of gambling harm by reducing ad exposure among vulnerable populations, particularly children and those already struggling with gambling addiction.

A Call to Westminster: Proactive Steps for Youth Protection

With Northern Ireland’s current Assembly unable to enact a gambling bill due to time constraints, the APG is looking to Westminster to implement advertising controls as an interim solution. “The Government has the power under existing laws to introduce restrictions on gambling advertising in the UK similar to those in the Republic,” said Butler. He argued that a proactive approach could prevent children from being bombarded by gambling-related marketing during sports broadcasts and on social media.

The APG’s call for reform is further supported by the growing recognition of gambling advertising’s potential harm. New restrictions in the Republic of Ireland empower the gambling regulator to control advertising times, locations, and frequency, while banning merchandise that may appeal to younger audiences.

Northern Ireland’s APG is championing the push for modern gambling regulations, urging Westminster to act swiftly in line with Ireland’s recent reforms. With academic research highlighting the risks of gambling ad exposure to young people, Northern Ireland’s leaders seek proactive protections to mitigate gambling harm. As pressure mounts for change, the coming months could bring critical developments in the region’s approach to gambling regulation.