U.K. Betting Firms to Remove TV, Radio Ads During Lockdown

(Bloomberg) --

The U.K.’s largest betting and gaming firms will voluntarily remove all television and radio gaming advertising during the lockdown period, the Betting and Gaming Council said in a statement.

All BGC members will look to implement the changes as soon as possible and no later than May 7, with the commitment remaining in force for six weeks and at a minimum until June 5.

“This latest move by the regulated industry further underlines our commitment to safer betting and gaming with many people cut off and feeling anxious” BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher said in the statement.

TV sport and casino advertisements volume has already dropped by up to 10%, with direct marketing by BGC members also dropping significantly.

The gambling body said that existing TV and radio advertising slots will be replaced by safer gambling messages, donated to charities or removed from broadcast. BGC members currently account for around 50% gambling advertising on TV and radio.

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.