Ending gambling adverts could prevent harm to millions of adults and children in the UK

Abstract

A phased approach to ending gambling advertising could reduce the damage caused by this health harming industry, write Kevin Fenton and Will Prochaska The harm caused by gambling in the UK is alarming. Official figures released in 2024 showed that 2.5% of the adult population has a gambling problem, with a further 12% gambling at increased risk and showing signs of harm.1 The UK government must respond to the new evidence on the scale of harm and take urgent action to end all gambling advertising. Each person with a gambling problem has family and friends who are being harmed indirectly. Behind the numbers are human stories of damaged people and families. The harms include depression, strain on relationships, financial harms, prison, homelessness, and many suicides. The Department of Health and Social Care estimates that each year, in England, 117-496 people die by suicide that is related to gambling.2 It’s …