BGC has issued a response to the CMS Select Committee report on gambling regulation, expressing its approval of the report’s support for the sports sponsorship code while rejecting a complete ban on gambling ads.

The council argues that such a ban could negatively impact popular sports, lead to job losses, and potentially drive customers towards unregulated online gambling. The BGC emphasizes that existing research hasn’t definitively established a direct link between exposure to gambling ads and the development of gambling-related problems.

The BGC advocates for strict adherence to guidelines ensuring that gambling ads and sponsorships comply with safer gambling messaging. They emphasize the importance of actively promoting responsible gambling tools and offering assistance to individuals concerned about their betting habits.

While commending the Committee’s endorsement of the Sport Sponsorship Code, the BGC emphasizes the need for its prompt publication to further enhance industry standards. This response follows the BGC’s previous support for the UK Government’s proposed 1% gambling levy on online gambling companies. The levy aims to raise funds for research, prevention, and treatment of gambling addiction, addressing concerns about the current voluntary levy’s insufficient contributions from certain operators.

The BGC had earlier proposed applying the levy to all operators, including the National Lottery, without compromising contributions to good causes. This move aligns with the UK government’s ongoing efforts to update gambling regulations and tackle challenges posed by digital betting, including potential stake limits and ensuring fair contributions from gambling firms.

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