The Guardian newspaper has announced that it will no longer be taking advertising from gambling companies. People will no longer see, either in print or online, advertising from online casinos, scratchcards and sports betting firms.
Why is The Guardian Refusing to Allow Gambling Advertising?
The Guardian has banned gambling ads across its print, online, and mobile platforms, including The Guardian Weekly and The Observer. While sports betting, online casinos, and scratchcards are excluded, lottery ads are still allowed. This is a global ban from The Guardian on gambling advertising.
The newspaper’s decision follows the UK Government’s April white paper on gambling, which proposed new regulatory measures for the industry amid rapid technological advancement in the digital space. However, no new government action has been taken, as officials maintain that existing protections are sufficient for vulnerable groups.
The Guardian cited studies showing a correlation between gambling advertising and increased regular gambling engagement as the reason behind the ban. If you’re looking to play at reputable operators, our guide to the best UK casino sites can help you find trusted options, and we also feature reviewed scratchcards providers.
This advertising ban isn’t entirely new territory for The Guardian—the newspaper similarly banned fossil fuel company ads back in 2020.
The Gambling Industry and Advertising
In recent years, there has been a large increase in gambling advertising, in particular with online sports betting. This is also fuelled by smartphones as players can easily place a bet within minutes from the touch of their mobile phone.
Much of the UK media is reliant on gambling advertising to fund its business models and social media channels such as TikTok are trialling gambling advertising in Australia.
The Guardian has done a lot of reporting on the UK Government’s proposed betting reforms which also led to this decision to ban gambling advertising. However, the newspaper also stated that it fully supports and respects individuals’ choices to enjoy occasional sports betting.
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Jennifer McFadyen
Slots & Bingo Writer
Jennifer McFadyen is a slot specialist and iGaming journalist with years of experience analysing online slots and industry trends. She provides detailed, transparent insights into RTP, volatility, bonus features, and game design, helping players navigate the latest releases.
Beyond slot reviews, Jennifer covers iGaming news, casino platform evaluations, and industry developments, offering expert analysis on new game launches and responsible gambling updates.
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