Number of TV betting ads at Euro 2020 halved compared to World Cup 2018
Betting and Gaming Council salutes whistle-to-whistle ad ban initiative as latest ITV data reveals sharp decrease
The number of gambling adverts shown on ITV during Euro 2020 has fallen by nearly 50% compared to the 2018 World Cup.
According to data released by the broadcaster, a total of 85 gambling ads were shown during the tournament’s group stages.
This represents a 47% downturn on the 161 gambling adverts shown on ITV during the group stages of the World Cup three years ago.
ITV said this equated to 3.7 adverts per live match at the tournament, compared to 6.9 adverts in 2018.
The reduction in advertising was praised by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) as a direct result of the whistle-to-whistle ban introduced in 2019.
Michael Dugher, BGC CEO, said: “These figures are testament to the success of the whistle-to-whistle ban and the continued drive for higher standards introduced by the regulated industry since 2019.
“The significant reduction in the number of betting commercials during the Euros, when compared to the last World Cup, is further proof of the commitment by our members to raising standards, while also promoting safer gambling, unlike the unsafe, unregulated black market that employs no one, pays no tax and makes no contribution to the economy or many of our much loved sports,” he added.