How Will Changes To Gambling Advertising Regulations To Protect Young People Affect Athletes?

The gambling industry’s growing presence in football has been the topic of much fan and government discussion in recent years as the growing numbers of gambling companies sponsoring the game has soared. In April 2022, it was announced by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) that the use of sports personalities in gambling advertising will be outlawed in October 2022.

CAP is an affiliate organisation of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the UK’s independent advertising regulator. The ASA ensures that advertisements adhere to the various advertising codes which are written by CAP, functions which were delegated to the ASA by Ofcom. Under section 3 (4) of the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom when performing its duties as the broadcasting and telecommunications authority, must have regard to “the desirability of promoting and facilitating the development and use of effective forms of self-regulation.”[1] This self-regulation is achieved through the different advertising codes, breaches of which can result in a range of sanctions imposed by the ASA.

This article delves into the changes to broadcasting advertisements in the gambling industry which seek to promote the safeguarding of children and will take effect from October 2022. It considers how the rule changes will be implemented and their potential effects on the gambling and sports industries.