Rossendale and Darwen MP Jake Berry yesterday introduced his bill to ban gambling adverts before the 9pm watershed at Westminster.
The Tory backbencher has also launched a website — www.backberrysbill.tk — where 1,000 people have sponsored the bill. His ‘10 Minute Rule Bill’ on the Regulation of Gambling Advertising is unlikely to become law but with cross-party support may prompt government action.
Mr Berry said:“Young people today are the first generation to grow up with gambling seen as an acceptable form of entertainment and leisure.
“Constant adverts condition young people into believing gambling is a fun and glamorous activity. Adverts are endorsed by celebrities and we must restrict such adverts to adults who are able to weigh odds and understand the risks. I visited an NHS gambling treatment clinic, where I heard the impact of these adverts on recovering addicts. This is a public lobby asking for change and I hope the government will act.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel