Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, is under increasing pressure to fulfill his 2021 election manifesto pledge to ban gambling adverts from the Transport for London (TfL) network. Despite his commitment, aimed at combating the destructive impact of gambling addiction on individuals and families, the ban has not yet been implemented.
In a recent cross-party report by the London Assembly’s health committee, the mayor was urged to take immediate action in this “crucial area” where he could significantly influence public health. The report highlights the urgent need to address the widespread harms associated with gambling advertisements, particularly their impact on vulnerable populations.
Dr. Tom Coffey, the mayor’s health advisor, explained that the delay in implementing the ban is due to potential legal challenges. The City Hall’s restrictions based on its own definition of ‘harmful gambling’ could face significant legal hurdles. Therefore, City Hall has sought assistance from the Government and public health partners to establish a clear, legally sound definition of harmful gambling. Dr. Coffey assured that once this definition is available, his team will act swiftly to enforce the ban.
“What I do not think you would want me to do is do something that would cost millions in legal challenges and not move the dial one little bit,” Dr. Coffey stated, emphasizing the importance of a legally defensible approach.
The financial implications of such a ban are considerable. Between April 2022 and March 2023, TfL received £663,640 in revenue from gambling advertisements. Despite this revenue, the health committee and public health advocates argue that the social costs of gambling addiction far outweigh the financial benefits.
When asked about the timeline for the ban, Sadiq Khan stated, “I’ve asked the GLA [Greater London Authority] to do some research into this. They’re undertaking a review into this very area.” This indicates that the mayor is taking steps toward fulfilling his promise but faces complex challenges in doing so.
In 2022, researchers from Sheffield and Glasgow universities were commissioned to review the health impacts of gambling adverts. Their findings, while noting some limitations in the evidence, concluded that a ban on gambling ads could “reduce overall harm and mitigate the impact of advertising on gambling-related inequalities.”
The push for the ban on gambling advertisements in London follows similar measures taken by other local authorities. For instance, Bristol City Council in November 2021 prohibited gambling ads across council-owned advertising spaces. This ban was part of a broader initiative to eliminate ads for products considered public health risks, including unhealthy food and drink, alcohol, and payday loans.
In summary, the pressure on Sadiq Khan to honor his pledge and ban gambling adverts on the TfL network is mounting. While legal and financial considerations pose challenges, the potential public health benefits of such a ban could be substantial, aligning with broader efforts to address the harms of gambling addiction and protect vulnerable populations. The mayor’s next steps will be closely watched by both supporters and critics of the proposed ban.
