Gambling Ads Surge During Premier League Matches

A new study from the University of Bristol reveals a dramatic spike in gambling advertisements during Premier League football, with nearly 30,000 ads recorded during the opening weekend, a 300% increase from last year. Researchers highlighted the ineffectiveness of the gambling industry's self-regulation, noting that fans, including children, are exposed to excessive marketing across TV, radio, and social media. The match between West Ham United and Aston Villa was particularly saturated, featuring 6,491 gambling messages, averaging 30 per minute. Experts and politicians are urging the government to take action to prioritize public safety and impose stricter regulations. Despite a recent code of conduct introduced by the industry, it has failed to curb the flood of gambling ads, which continue to prioritize profit over consumer safety. The findings raise concerns about the adequacy of existing measures to protect viewers from gambling-related marketing.