As millions of football fans eagerly awaited the start of the English Premier League (EPL) season, a new study has revealed a staggering number of gambling advertisements were shown during the opening weekend.
According to the study conducted by the Guardian, a total of 29,000 gambling ads were aired during the broadcast of the first round of matches, which took place from August 13 to August 15. This equates to an average of 9,667 ads per day, or 1,277 ads per hour.
The ads were shown across various platforms, including television broadcasts, streaming services, and social media platforms. The study found that the majority of the ads were for online betting companies, with popular brands such as Bet365, Ladbrokes, and William Hill dominating the airwaves.
The sheer volume of gambling ads during the EPL opening weekend has raised concerns among experts and campaigners who have long been calling for stricter regulations on gambling advertisements. The UK government recently announced plans to review the country’s gambling laws, with a particular focus on the impact of advertising on vulnerable populations.
Marc Etches, chief executive of the gambling charity GambleAware, commented on the study, stating that the “proliferation of gambling advertising during live sports events is particularly concerning, given the potentially significant impact it can have on vulnerable individuals.”
The study also highlighted the link between gambling advertising and problem gambling, pointing out that individuals exposed to gambling ads are more likely to develop issues with addiction. In fact, research has shown that problem gambling rates are significantly higher among young people who are regularly exposed to gambling ads.
In response to the study, a spokesperson for the EPL stated that they are committed to promoting responsible gambling and have strict guidelines in place regarding the advertising of gambling companies. They added that they are continuously reviewing their policies and working with regulators to ensure that the welfare of fans is protected.
Despite these efforts, many are calling for stricter regulations to be implemented to curb the excessive number of gambling ads being shown during football matches. Campaigners argue that the normalization of gambling through advertising poses a serious risk to vulnerable individuals and should be addressed urgently.
As the debate over gambling advertising in sports continues to escalate, it remains to be seen what measures will be taken to protect fans from the potential harms of excessive exposure to gambling ads. One thing is clear – the issue is not going away anytime soon, and stakeholders will need to work together to find a solution that balances the interests of both the gambling industry and the welfare of fans.