In a groundbreaking move, Haringey Council has made history as the first local authority in the UK to officially support the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA). This decision underscores the borough’s commitment to reducing gambling-related harm and advocating for tighter restrictions on gambling advertising at a national level.
Haringey Council Takes a Bold Stand Against Gambling Ads in the UK
Haringey Council’s Initiative to Combat Gambling Harm
With approximately 8,000 residents in Haringey suffering from gambling-related issues and an estimated £8 million in social and economic costs annually, the local government has taken decisive action. By joining CEGA, Haringey Council aims to pressure the UK Government into implementing stronger regulations to curb gambling advertisements across multiple platforms.
A Growing Concern: Gambling Harms in the UK
Gambling addiction is a growing public health crisis across the United Kingdom. Studies show that millions of UK residents are at risk of developing gambling-related problems, with advertisements playing a significant role in enticing individuals into betting activities. The ubiquity of gambling ads on TV, social media, and public spaces has normalized gambling, making it more accessible, especially to young people and vulnerable individuals.
Haringey’s stance aligns with public health experts, who have long argued that gambling should be regulated similarly to tobacco and alcohol. The goal is to minimize exposure to gambling-related content that can lead to financial hardship, mental health issues, and even suicides linked to gambling addiction.
Haringey Council’s Commitment to Public Welfare
Official Statements from Key Haringey Council Members
Cllr Lucia das Neves, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care & Wellbeing, emphasized the urgency of tackling gambling ads:
“We are committed to protecting the well-being of our community, and we share the concerns of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads regarding the proliferation of gambling ads.
The fact that we are the first council in the country to push for an end to gambling advertising shows how seriously we take this issue as a borough, and we are doing everything in our power to stop the negative impact this has on thousands of people.”
Cllr Ajda Ovat, Cabinet Member for Communities, echoed this sentiment, stating:
“The steps we have already taken to limit gambling advertising on our own outlets reflect our dedication to this cause. We want to protect our communities and the impact that gambling can have on so many people, not just in Haringey but across the country.
We recognize the need for further collaboration to address gambling harm on a larger scale and hope many other councils will follow in our footsteps and bring about much-needed change.”
The Role of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA)
Why CEGA’s Campaign Matters
The Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) is a national movement dedicated to eliminating gambling promotions from public spaces, TV, and digital media. The initiative calls for legislative changes to protect consumers, particularly those at risk of gambling-related harm.
Will Prochaska, Director of CEGA, commended Haringey Council for its pioneering leadership:
“Haringey’s stand as the first council in the country to join CEGA and call for an end to gambling ads nationally should be applauded.
Councils don’t have adequate powers to protect their citizens from the predatory gambling industry, but they do have a powerful voice nationally. It’s important now that more councils follow Haringey’s lead.”
The Impact of Gambling Advertisements on Society
Gambling Ads and Their Influence on Public Behavior
Studies have consistently shown that gambling advertisements contribute to increased gambling participation. These ads are designed to create an illusion of easy money, attracting young adults, problem gamblers, and economically vulnerable individuals.
Key Concerns About Gambling Ads:
- Increased Gambling Addiction Rates – Research suggests that exposure to gambling ads can lead to higher addiction rates, particularly among young people.
- Financial Hardship – Many individuals affected by gambling addiction suffer severe financial losses, leading to debt, homelessness, and even crime.
- Mental Health Crisis – Gambling addiction is strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and suicide.
- Family and Social Disruptions – Gambling harms extend beyond the individual, affecting families, workplaces, and communities.
International Approaches to Gambling Advertisements
Several countries have already taken proactive steps to limit gambling advertisements:
- Spain – Imposed strict restrictions on gambling ads during daytime hours.
- Italy – Implemented an outright ban on gambling advertisements.
- Australia – Enforced stronger regulations on online gambling promotions.
Haringey Council’s campaign aims to push the UK government toward adopting similar regulations, ensuring better protection for vulnerable individuals.
What’s Next? Encouraging More UK Councils to Take Action
Haringey Council’s bold move is expected to influence other local authorities across the UK to take similar action. The growing public and political pressure may drive nationwide legislative changes, paving the way for stricter gambling advertising policies.
How Other Councils Can Get Involved
- Join CEGA – Other councils can align with the Coalition to End Gambling Ads to strengthen the collective movement.
- Restrict Local Gambling Ads – Councils can take independent action by restricting gambling advertisements in their boroughs.
- Push for National Policy Change – Local governments can work together to lobby Parliament for stricter regulations.
Final Thoughts: A Step Towards a Safer Gambling Environment
The decision by Haringey Council to lead the fight against gambling advertisements marks a significant step toward a healthier, safer society. With thousands of people suffering from gambling addiction, the need for stricter regulations has never been more urgent.
FAQs About Haringey Council’s Stand Against Gambling Ads
1. What action has Haringey Council taken against gambling advertisements?
Haringey Council has become the first local authority in the UK to officially support the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA). By joining this campaign, the council aims to pressure the UK Government to impose stricter regulations on gambling advertisements to reduce gambling-related harm.
2. Why is Haringey Council taking this stand?
Haringey Council is taking action due to the high number of residents affected by gambling-related harm. An estimated 8,000 people in the borough experience gambling issues, costing the local economy approximately £8 million annually in harm-related expenses.
3. What is the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA)?
The Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) is a national movement that advocates for the elimination of gambling advertisements from public spaces, TV, and digital media. CEGA pushes for legislative changes to protect individuals, particularly those vulnerable to gambling addiction.
4. How do gambling advertisements contribute to gambling addiction?
Gambling ads normalize betting, creating the illusion of easy money and drawing individuals—especially young people and problem gamblers—into excessive gambling. Research indicates that exposure to these ads leads to increased gambling participation, financial hardship, and mental health issues.
5. What regulations on gambling ads exist in other countries?
Several countries have already taken measures to limit gambling advertisements:
- Spain – Enforced restrictions on gambling ads during daytime hours.
- Italy – Implemented a complete ban on gambling advertisements.
- Australia – Introduced stricter regulations for online gambling promotions.
6. What impact does gambling addiction have on individuals and society?
Gambling addiction leads to financial distress, debt, homelessness, increased crime, and severe mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It also negatively affects families, workplaces, and entire communities.
7. What statements have Haringey Council officials made on this issue?
Cllr Lucia das Neves emphasized that the council is committed to protecting the wellbeing of its community by taking a stand against the proliferation of gambling ads. Cllr Ajda Ovat highlighted the steps the council has already taken to restrict gambling ads in their borough and urged other councils to follow their lead.
8. How does this move impact the future of gambling regulation in the UK?
Haringey Council’s leadership could encourage other councils to take similar action, increasing public and political pressure for nationwide gambling ad restrictions. This could lead to stronger government policies protecting individuals from gambling-related harm.
