The UK Gambling Commission (BGC) is increasing pressure on major social media corporations, insisting they enhance their efforts to protect at-risk users from the potential dangers of gambling promotions. The BGC contends that a joint effort is essential to safeguard young individuals and those struggling with gambling dependence.
Online platforms are being encouraged to collaborate closely with the wagering sector to advocate for responsible gambling advertisements. The BGC is especially worried about the amount of gambling promotions viewed by youthful and susceptible users, advocating for stricter regulations to minimize their visibility. While the BGC seeks to implement new protections for digital advertising, they believe social media entities need to assume greater accountability.
BGC’s Chief Executive, Michael Dugher, has directly appealed to the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, urging her to hold social media firms responsible for their part in this endeavor.
Dugher stressed the importance of social media platforms actively engaging in finding resolutions, stating that the BGC’s endeavors are dependent on their partnership. He implored Frazer to compel these platforms to work alongside the BGC and furnish the necessary resources to shield vulnerable individuals.
Despite the obstacles, the BGC has documented progress in mitigating problem gambling, highlighting a reduction in the UK’s problem gambling rate to 0.2% in 2022.
The BGC remains dedicated to diminishing the prevalence of gambling advertisements directed at young demographics.
The British gaming sector, as represented by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), is increasing its endeavors to ensure that solely grown-ups are exposed to wagering advertisements. Their primary concern lies with social media platforms, given the substantial youth following of beloved football (soccer) teams in the online realm. In an effort to safeguard these supporters, the BGC has formally requested that clubs cease the display of betting odds and associated web addresses on their social media channels.
