Youth Exposure to Gambling Ads Plummets in the UK

A study by the United Kingdom’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reveals a steady decrease in the amount of gambling promotions viewed by young people. From 2010 to 2023, youth exposure to these advertisements plummeted by 40%. This is part of a broader pattern, with children’s contact with all television marketing declining by a substantial 75% during the same timeframe.

The ASA, committed to safeguarding susceptible demographics, routinely scrutinizes advertisement material, particularly for age-limited goods like wagering and spirits. Their latest publication also emphasized a considerable reduction in children’s encounters with alcohol promotions (down 80% since 2010) and advertisements for edibles high in fat, sodium, and sugar (down 33% since 2016).

Although the analysis concentrated on television, the ASA recognizes that children’s media usage behaviors are evolving. They are currently prioritizing internet advertising to guarantee that young individuals are shielded from unsuitable material across all mediums.

Britains advertising regulatory body recently took action against a wagering firm, Festival Free Bets, for featuring social media personality Astrid Wett in their promotional materials. Apparently, they violated guidelines because Wett was younger than 25 at the time, a prohibited practice for gaming advertisements in the region.