Guardian Media Group announces worldwide gambling ad ban
Gambling advertising prohibited across both print and digital as media giant cities ethical concerns over promoting sector
The Guardian Media Group have announced a blanket ban on gambling advertising across its print and online media, citing participating in the industry can lead to “addiction and financial ruin”.
With publications in the UK, US and Australia, the decision follows on from one made three years ago, banning any and all adverts from fossil fuel companies.
The ban includes all forms of gambling advertising, including for sports betting, online casinos and scratchcards. It will apply across all of the Guardian’s outlets.
However, lottery ads have been excluded from the decision due to its social benefits, such as raising money for good causes.
Guardian Media Group chief executive Anna Bateson remarked that online advertising has the potential to imprison gamblers in what has been described as an “addictive cycle” that could lead to problems such as financial distress and mental health issues.
Batseson added that the Guardian is increasingly relying on contributions directly from readers, rather than advertising, for its income, and that it was the “right thing” for readers to ditch gambling advertisers.
The CEO noted the decision came following the rapid growth of online betting, coupled with deregulation and the increase in smartphone use.
Bateson said: “Ultimately, we believe that our primary obligation is to do the right thing for our readers, which is why we’ve decided that there are other ways to generate revenue.”
Further explaining the reason for the outright ban of ads both in print and digital media, Bateson argued that Guardian reporters have shown through their work the negative effects of gambling adverts on people.
She said: “Guardian journalists have reported on the devastating impact of the gambling industry in the UK and Australia, helping to shift the dial and ensure the issue remains high on the public agenda. Studies highlight a clear correlation between exposure to gambling advertising and increased intentions to engage in regular gambling.”
While stating that the media group respects an individual’s choice to gamble, using sport as an example, Bateson added that ads have the ability to lock gamblers into a cycle.
Bateson added: “We understand and respect that millions of our readers, including our reporters and staff, are passionate sports fans who may occasionally choose to engage in gambling as part of their sporting experience. It is a matter of personal freedom, and we have no issue with that.
“We fully support the enjoyment of sports and respect individuals’ choices to participate in occasional gambling on football, horseracing, or any other sport. Our concern lies with the pervasive nature of retargeted digital advertisements that trap a portion of sports fans in an addictive cycle.”