Gambling has one of the longest and most complicated histories of any industry in the United Kingdom. One of the first examples of regulated gambling occurred in the 16th century when Elizabeth I established a state lottery as an alternative to imposing a new tax, even though unofficial gambling has likely existed for thousands of years.
In the five centuries since, the UK’s gambling sector has evolved into one of leading countries the https://www.statista.com/statistics/586185/gross-gambling-revenue-europe-by-country/ regularly recording the highest gross gaming revenue (GGR) on the continent.
In 2023, the British gambling industry’s GGR totalled 18.7 billion U.S. dollars. According to a survey conducted by the Statista Research Department on November 1, 2024, the Premier League saw the highest global wager on European football during the 2022–2023 season. During that season, there was 77.7 billion euros bet on Premier League matches worldwide. In the meantime, 36.2 billion euros were wagered on La Liga worldwide.
That said, when I was a youngster (I am 58 now), betting shops were unknown places frequented by men and cigarettes. Perhaps I would pop in with my dad on Grand National Day, but aside from that, it was something you never did. Now, almost every other add on radio (Talk Sport in particular has gambling ads) and its easily accessible for everyone over 18.
On 25 April 2024, the House of Lords debated the following motion:
Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) to ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact of gambling advertising, marketing and sponsorship on problem gambling, and in particular the risk of exposure to gambling advertising on children.
In an evidence review updated in January 2023, Public Health England (PHE) identified the following types of harms associated with such behaviour:
- Financial, such as debt and bankruptcy. As well as being harms in themselves, the report said they could lead to other types of harm on the list.
- Relationship, including lower levels of family functioning and social support and an increased risk of domestic abuse.
- Mental and physical health, such as an increased risk of dying from any cause and a significantly increased risk of suicide. Problem gamblers were also more likely to suffer from self-harming, depression, problems relating to sleep, alcohol and drugs.
- Employment and education, for example a loss of concentration at work that can mean a higher risk of losing a job or being demoted. Child gamblers, and children of gamblers, also experienced difficulties at school.
- Criminal and anti-social behaviour, such as theft, fraud and selling drugs.
- Cultural, for example shame and isolation resulting from societal attitudes to gambling.
If you believe there is excessive gambling activity that is causing harm or breaches regulations, there are several steps you can take to raise a complaint in the UK:
1. Report to the Gambling Commission
The Gambling Commission regulates gambling businesses in the UK. If you suspect that a gambling operator is not upholding their licensing objectives, such as preventing gambling harm or protecting vulnerable individuals, you can file a complaint directly with them.
- Website: www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- What to report: Include details such as excessive advertising, failure to enforce age restrictions, or insufficient support for problem gamblers.
2. Contact the Gambling Operator
- Gambling operators are required to have a clear complaints procedure. If the excessive gambling issue relates to a specific operator (e.g., not supporting responsible gambling measures), contact their complaints team first.
- Request a copy of their responsible gambling policy and outline your concerns, such as lack of self-exclusion tools or failure to prevent addictive behaviour.
3. Use an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Provider
- If the gambling operator does not resolve your complaint to your satisfaction, you can escalate it to an ADR provider approved by the Gambling Commission.
- Examples include services like eCOGRA or the Independent Betting Adjudication Service (IBAS).
4. Raise a Concern with a Local Authority
- If the gambling activity involves local premises (e.g., betting shops or arcades), you can report concerns to your local council, which issues gambling licenses and monitors compliance.
5. Complain to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA)
- If your concern involves gambling advertisements that seem irresponsible or target vulnerable groups, you can file a complaint with the ASA.
- Website: www.asa.org.uk
6. Engage with Support Organizations
- GamCare: Offers support for individuals affected by gambling harm and can advise on raising complaints about excessive gambling practices.
- Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
- Helpline: 0808 8020 133 (Free, 24/7)
- BeGambleAware: Provides resources and information on gambling-related issues.
7. Contact Your Member of Parliament (MP)
- If the gambling issue is widespread or involves systemic concerns, you can raise the matter with your local MP, urging them to advocate for tighter regulations or better enforcement of gambling laws.
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