TLDR The House of Lords Liaison Committee published a report urging a full ban on gambling advertising across the UK. The report says advertising drives gambling harm, which affects up to 1.5 million adults in Britain. A cited study found a 10% cut in gambling spend could add £1.25 billion in value and create over 22,000 jobs. The Betting and Gaming Council pushed back, warning that a ban would push bettors toward unlicensed platforms. Prime Minister Andy Burnham has already moved to limit how easily new betting shops can open.
The House of Lords Liaison Committee has called for a total ban on gambling advertising in the United Kingdom. The committee published its findings in a report titled Gambling Harm – Time for Action on September 17, 2026.
The report argues that advertising is one of the main forces behind gambling harm in the country. It states that only a full ban can meaningfully cut the risks tied to betting promotions.
Committee members framed the issue as part of a broader public health concern. They noted that gambling harm affects as many as 1.5 million adults across Britain.
The report traces today’s advertising landscape back to the Gambling Act 2005. That law lifted earlier restrictions and opened the door to widespread promotion of betting products.
Since then, the gambling industry has spent more than £1 billion each year on advertising. The report claims Britain now stands out compared to other countries that have already placed tighter limits on betting ads.
Lords Highlight Health and Economic Benefits
The committee did not stop at health concerns. It also pointed to possible economic gains from lowering gambling participation.
A study referenced in the report found that a 10% drop in gambling spend could raise gross value added by £1.25 billion.