In the UK, there have been requests for local government leaders to take more aggressive action due to worries about gambling harm and advertising. According to SBC News, city leaders are being pushed to intervene when national attempts fail, even as the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) create national legislation.
Mayor Sadiq Khan of London is facing criticism for failing to carry out his campaign promise in 2021 to outlaw gambling adverts on the London Tube. According to The Standard, Green Party Assembly Member Caroline Russell accused him of “backtracking” when betting promotions are still visible across the Tube network.
Despite chairing Transport for London (TfL), Khan stated he is waiting for additional government direction before revising advertising policies. With over five million daily commuters using the Underground, local officials hold significant influence over public exposure to gambling ads.
Liverpool’s Initiative Against Gambling Harm
In the meantime, Liverpool authorities have started a new project in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University to address the negative effects of gaming. The project’s objectives are to hold workshops on gambling-related topics, promote best practices, and develop an evidence-based action plan.
This campaign comes after a local poll found that 12% of Liverpool adults, or nearly double the national average, suffered harm from gambling, and 30% of adults in the city gambled in the previous year. Furthermore, studies place the number of local youngsters exposed to gambling at home at 25,000.
Councillor Harry Doyle, the Culture, Health, and Wellbeing Cabinet Member for Liverpool City Council, stated that “gambling harm frequently goes unnoticed, yet its impact on individuals, families, and communities can be devastating.”
“We are committed to continuing this work alongside our partners, taking proactive action to prevent harm and provide help where it’s needed most,” he added.
Beyond London and Liverpool, cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Blackpool have raised similar concerns about gambling’s impact. While local governments lack direct regulatory power like the UKGC or DCMS, their policies can shape public sentiment and influence future national regulations.
Additionally, local councils have the authority to approve or reject betting shop applications, making them key stakeholders in the gambling industry’s expansion. Their growing involvement could lead to broader changes in the UK’s approach to gambling regulation.
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