Sadiq Khan's Unfulfilled Pledge on Gambling Advertisements

Since Mayor Sadiq Khan's 2021 pledge to ban gambling advertisements on the Transport for London (TfL) network, gambling companies have spent nearly £5 million on advertising within the system. This expenditure comes despite Khan's commitment to extend a ban on junk food ads to include online casinos and bookmakers, citing the detrimental effects of gambling addiction. The mayor's office has attributed the delay in implementing this ban to a lack of guidance from the central government regarding the relationship between gambling advertisements and harm.

The Guardian

Despite Khan's promise, the number of gambling ads has surged, with over 500 campaigns launched since the pledge, including a notable campaign from the online casino 888 that was withdrawn following public backlash. In 2023 alone, 223 gambling campaigns were recorded, more than double the previous year's total. The mayor's spokesperson indicated that the government is reviewing the impact of gambling advertising, but no formal project appears to be underway to assess the specific links between advertising and gambling-related harm.

The Guardian

Khan's 2021 manifesto highlighted his commitment to public health, stating, “I’ve already banned body-shaming advertisements and advertisements for foods high in fat, salt and sugar on the TfL network because of their impact on the health of Londoners.” He emphasized the need to address gambling addiction, which affects over one million individuals in the UK according to the Gambling Commission. However, establishing direct causative links between gambling advertisements and addiction remains challenging.

The Guardian

Critics, including representatives from the Coalition to End Gambling Ads, argue that Khan should not wait for national guidance to act on his pledge. Nick Harvey, a spokesperson for the coalition, stated, “Sadiq Khan must do the right thing and honour his 2021 pledge to end gambling ads on TfL.” He pointed out that numerous English councils have successfully banned gambling ads without facing legal challenges. Seven London councils have also urged Khan to proceed with the ban, emphasizing the urgency of addressing gambling's impact on families.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) acknowledged the need for further action to ensure that gambling advertising does not contribute to harmful gambling behaviors. Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council has contested estimates of gambling companies' advertising expenditures, claiming that the figure is closer to £1 billion annually, rather than the £2 billion suggested by some estimates.

The Guardian

• “Sadiq Khan must do the right thing and honour his 2021 pledge to end gambling ads on TfL,” — Nick Harvey, Coalition to End Gambling Ads

The Guardian

• “The government is looking at the best way to address harmful gambling, including understanding the impact of advertising, and the mayor will consider what action he can take once that review is complete.” — Spokesperson for Sadiq Khan

The Guardian

As the debate continues, the future of gambling advertisements on TfL remains uncertain. The mayor's office is expected to reassess its position once the government provides clearer guidance on the issue. In the meantime, the growing number of gambling ads raises concerns about their potential impact on public health and safety.

The Guardian