Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has called on the Prime Minister to force gambling firms to show fewer TV ads due to their aggressive publicity techniques.
Tessa Munt asked for David Cameron’s backing when she posed a question during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the House Of Commons.
“At a time when there is £1.45 trillion of personal debt in this country and when we are encouraging people to be moderate in their expectations and behaviour, will the Prime Minister please protect consumers, children and the vulnerable from this kind of activity by asking for a review by Ofcom,” she said.
The Prime Minister said he was concerned by the “aggressive” publicity techniques of online betting firms.
He replied: “It is not just a question of regulation, as it is also a question of responsibility by the companies concerned. Anyone who enjoys watching a football match will see quite aggressive advertisements on the television, and I think companies have to ask themselves whether they are behaving responsibly when they do that.”
Tessa says there are nearly 36 hours of casino and gaming adverts broadcast every week and she has called for an Ofcom review.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “I am contacted by local people with money problems regularly and I am very aware that gambling addiction can ruin people’s lives, adding to debts in all sections of our communities.”
“I am particularly concerned about the effect betting adverts on television can have on the young and more impressionable – especially as these are shown at peak viewing times. This is why I raised the issue with the Prime Minister, and why I am keen that the Government takes action to tackle the very harmful effects this advertising can have.”
