Ladbrokes Coral pushes for end to all UK sports betting broadcast advertising

Ladbrokes Coral's owner, gaming group GVC Holdings, has called on its industry rivals to support an end to all broadcast advertising on sports betting in the UK, with the exception of horseracing.

The group, which has also announced further initiatives as part of its Changing for the Bettor safer gambling campaign, wants a complete ban on sports betting broadcast advertising at any time of the day.

The proposal goes far further than the forthcoming pre-watershed, whistle-to-whistle advertising ban which is set to be introduced at the start of the next football season in August.

Under GVC's proposal, advertising specifically promoting responsible gambling and safer gambling campaign would be permitted, but strictly limited to one advertisement per commercial break.

Kenny Alexander, chief executive of GVC, said: "Whilst the vast majority of our customers enjoy our products responsibly, it is high time that the industry did more to protect its customers from potential harm.

Kenny Alexander: chief executive of GVC announced significant safer gambling proposalsCredit: Kathleen Sarg

"I call on our industry peers to help us bring about an end to broadcast advertising which promotes sports betting in the UK no matter the time of day."

GVC is also calling on the industry and the football governing bodies to ban adverts on match-side hoardings at football grounds, with the group announcing it is to unilaterally end all shirt sponsorship deals with UK football teams.

A commitment by GVC to increase investment on research, education and treatment from 0.2 per cent of UK gross gambling revenue to one per cent by 2022 has been made, while the group will also offer GamBan software free to any individual who is showing signs of problematic play.

A new independent trust with the aim of making charitable contributions to fund treatment of problem gambling is also being established.

Alexander added: "Increasing investment in research, education and treatment tenfold by 2022, funding treatment centres and using technology to intervene before a problem develops, alongside our existing behavioural analytics, brings to life our commitment to be the most trusted and enjoyable betting operator in the world.

"The industry should and can do more to protect the vulnerable, and today's announcement demonstrates GVC's commitment to delivering on that."

The Senet Group, an independent body set up to promote responsible gambling standards and ensure that the marketing of gambling is socially responsible, has welcomed the commitments by GVC.

Chairman Gillian Wilmot said: "It's increasingly clear that leading UK gambling companies are determined to address society's concerns about the industry's values and conduct. Today's announcement is a big step forward."

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