The Unfulfilled Promise: Gambling Ads on London's Underground
London's Mayor Faces Public Criticism Over Failing to Implement 2021 Ban on Advertising Gambling on the Tube as Promised
London Mayor Sadiq Khan, in his 2021 re-election manifesto, vowed to ban gambling ads on the London Underground. Yet, here we are, still seeing those pesky adverts everywhere. So, what gives?
Some local naysayers have branded Khan a bit of a flip-flopper, alleging he's "backtracking."
A member of the London Assembly posed a pointed question to Khan, demanding to know when he would finally implement an ethical advertising policy for TfL, rather than relying on public outcry to scotch gambling adverts from public transports.
In 2021, Khan had promised to instruct Transport for London (TfL) to ban gambling ads on the Tube network due to the devastating impact gambling addiction can have on individuals and families.
Defining the Problem: A Waiting Game
Khan informs the assembly member he desires "more detailed information about the Government's plans in this area" before "looking further at any implications for TfL's policy."
Khan's stance indicates that he's now playing the waiting game, expecting the Government to provide a national framework to address this issue.
London's problem gambling rates are stubbornly double the national average, causing concerns in political circles. In fact, the London Assembly's health committee had warned Khan of this well before.
Dr. Tom Coffey, the mayor's health advisor, told investigators that plans for banning adverts on the Underground were held up. The holdup, Coffey stated, was due to City Hall potentially facing legal challenges if it introduced restrictions based on its own definition of "harmful gambling."
To avoid any unnecessary legal hassles, Coffey pointed out, City Hall had requested the UK Government and public health partners to help develop a national definition.
Legal Challenges and the Cost
Coffey asserted that once the national definition of problem gambling is officially published, the Mayor's team would "move with alacrity" to tackle Underground gambling ads. However, Coffey also cautioned against resorting to litigation, predicting it would result in hefty legal bills with minimal gains.
Financial Implications
It's worth noting that TfL generates a substantial amount of revenue from gambling ads. Between April 2022 and March 2023, they earned a cool £663,640 from gambling promotions – a figure that could significantly impact their budget if a ban goes into effect.
Criticism and Community Concerns
Critics argue that the delay in implementing the ban enables harmful gambling adverts to remain visible on the Tube network, making life tougher for those already battling addiction. The frequent exposure to these ads contributes to the normalization and glamorization of gambling, a concern raised by critics. The delay in action has elicited criticism as a failure to follow through on Khan's promise, particularly given the alarming gambling rates in London.
- Khan's call for more information from the Government about their plans on this issue suggests he is currently adopting a wait-and-see approach, relying on the national framework proposed by them.
- The London Assembly's health committee had previously advised Khan about London's alarmingly high problem gambling rates, which are double the national average.
- Dr. Tom Coffey, the mayor's health advisor, revealed that plans for banning gambling ads on the Underground have been stalled due to potential legal challenges that City Hall may face.
- The delay in implementing the ban has garnered criticism from various quarters, as it allows harmful gambling ads to continue circulating on the Tube network, which could exacerbate gambling addiction issues.
- TfL earns a significant amount of revenue from gambling advertisements – around £663,640 between April 2022 and March 2023 – that could potentially have a substantial impact on their budget, should a ban be enforced.
- Critics argue that the prolonged wait for the implementation of a policy banning gambling ads in London's Underground contributes to the normalization and glamorization of casino-and-gambling, particularly given the adverse effects of gambling addiction on individuals and families.
