The UKs gambling sector, represented by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), is increasing pressure on social media platforms to enhance their efforts in protecting users from gambling-related risks. The BGC emphasizes the importance of a collaborative approach to safeguard susceptible individuals, especially youth and those grappling with gambling disorders.
These digital giants are being urged to take a more proactive stance in promoting responsible gambling practices. The BGC contends that these platforms must prioritize stricter protocols to minimize the exposure of at-risk individuals to gambling-related material.
Although the BGC seeks to implement new safety protocols for digital advertising, it believes social media entities are not fulfilling their responsibilities. BGC Chief Executive Michael Dugher has directly contacted Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer, imploring her to hold these corporations accountable and advocate for tangible action.
Dugher’s communication to Frazer was unambiguous: “Achieving this objective is simply not feasible without the active participation of the social media platforms themselves. BGC members are eager to implement this impactful solution, but we cannot do so without the cooperation of social media platforms.”
He further underscored the pressing nature of the issue, stating, “I implore you to call upon social media platforms to finally take the necessary steps and collaborate with the BGC to provide the tools required to collectively protect the most vulnerable.”
Despite the obstacles, the BGC acknowledges positive developments in mitigating problem gambling. Significantly, the prevalence of problem gamblers in the UK decreased to 0.2% in 2022. Looking ahead, the BGC aims to substantially reduce the volume of gambling advertisements viewed by young demographics.
The British gaming sector, as championed by the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), is implementing measures to ensure that solely grown-ups are exposed to promotions for activities such as sports wagering and internet-based casinos. They are exercising heightened vigilance online, particularly on social platforms, recognizing that these platforms constitute significant hubs for youth engagement with football (soccer). In a recent directive, the BGC instructed football clubs to cease the dissemination of betting odds and hyperlinks across their social media channels. This proactive approach underscores their commitment to responsible practices and endeavors to shield minors from gambling-related content.
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