Gambling Ads Surge During Premier League Opener

Research from the University of Bristol reveals that the number of gambling advertisements during the opening weekend of the Premier League season surged to over 29,000, a 165% increase from the previous year. This alarming rise, highlighted during the West Ham vs. Aston Villa match with around 6,491 messages, raises concerns about the exposure of fans, particularly children, to gambling promotions. Critics argue that the gambling industry's self-regulation is inadequate, as evidenced by the failure of the recently introduced Code of Conduct to curb advertising effectively. Campaigners, including former footballer Peter Shilton, call for stronger government regulations to protect vulnerable viewers. The Betting and Gaming Council disputes the findings, claiming they reflect a misunderstanding of advertising regulations. The report's authors advocate for a comprehensive ban on all forms of gambling marketing during sporting events to mitigate risks to consumers.