Lawmakers in Northern Ireland have urged the UK Government to take decisive steps to limit gambling advertising across the region. Members of the Stormont Assembly’s All-Party Group on Reducing Harm Relating to Gambling addressed a letter to Lisa Nandy, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, highlighting concerns over the absence of modern gambling legislation in Northern Ireland. The appeal follows a series of developments, including Ireland’s recent adoption of stricter gambling marketing regulations.
The letter, sent at the conclusion of Safer Gambling Week, was co-signed by Assembly members, including Philip McGuigan of Sinn Féin and Robbie Butler of the Ulster Unionist Party, according to The Irish News. It emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect the public from gambling-related harm. The lawmakers stated, “Northern Ireland now stands alone as the only jurisdiction on these islands without updated gambling legislation since the advent of the internet.”
While gambling policy remains a devolved matter, the group expressed concern that there is insufficient time left in the current Assembly mandate to pass a new Gambling Bill. This situation leaves the population vulnerable, as existing laws fail to address the challenges posed by modern advertising methods and online platforms.
Inspiration from Ireland
The lawmakers pointed to Ireland’s recent passage of the Gambling Regulation Bill, which introduced measures such as a ban on gambling advertisements between 5:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The bill also established the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland, tasked with overseeing marketing restrictions, banning inducements, and ensuring compliance.
The group’s letter stated that implementing similar restrictions in Northern Ireland could significantly reduce harm, noting the widespread viewership of British television in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Introducing restrictions similar to those in Ireland would have a profound benefit for Northern Ireland, Britain and Ireland, where British TV is widely watched,” the letter added.
Addressing Cross-Border Findings
The letter also cited a recent cross-border report by Maynooth University in Ireland and Ulster University, which revealed that young people across the island are highly exposed to gambling marketing. This exposure occurs primarily through televised sports and social media, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures.
The lawmakers argued that current advertising policies fail to shield vulnerable groups, particularly children and individuals already experiencing gambling harm. They urged Ms. Nandy to use her authority under the UK Gambling Act 2005 to address these gaps and implement immediate restrictions on gambling promotions during major sporting events and on social media platforms.
Growing Calls for Reform
The call for action reflects growing momentum among stakeholders to address gambling-related harm. The All-Party Group includes representatives from Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party, the Alliance Party, the Democratic Unionist Party, and the Social Democratic and Labour Party. The group’s collective effort highlights bipartisan recognition of the issue’s urgency.
“Now is the time for you as Secretary of State to take positive steps towards restricting the promotion of gambling and act on the Government’s manifesto commitment to reduce gambling-related harm,” the letter concluded.
A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport acknowledged receipt of the letter and indicated that a response would be issued in due course. While the UK Government has yet to outline a clear policy direction, the lawmakers’ appeal underscores the pressing need for reform to align Northern Ireland’s gambling regulations with modern standards.