Northern Ireland’s All-Party Group (APG) on Reducing Harm Related to Gambling is pressing the UK government to impose immediate restrictions on gambling advertising, similar to those recently enacted in the Republic of Ireland. APG members believe these restrictions are essential to reduce gambling-related harm and protect vulnerable populations.
APG Chair Philip McGuigan MLA commended the Republic of Ireland’s recent Gambling Reform Act, stating, “This is the first comprehensive reform of gambling law in the south of Ireland in almost seventy years.” The Act enforces a 5:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. watershed for gambling ads on television and radio and effectively bans gambling content on social media. These measures are designed to protect those at risk of gambling harm, especially children, by prohibiting advertisements that may appeal to younger audiences.
APG Vice Chair Robbie Butler MLA highlighted Northern Ireland’s outdated gambling laws, which remain unchanged since before the internet era, making Northern Ireland the only UK region without modern gambling legislation. Butler acknowledged the Northern Ireland executive lacks the time to introduce a new gambling bill but emphasized that Westminster could implement restrictions immediately under existing UK law. Such action would shield children from gambling ads during sports broadcasts and prevent gambling companies from targeting vulnerable individuals on social media.
The APG’s call for restrictions is backed by recent studies highlighting the risks of extensive gambling marketing exposure. A joint study by Maynooth University and Ulster University found that young people across Ireland are frequently exposed to gambling promotions, especially through sports and social media. Additionally, research from Bristol University revealed that betting advertisements tripled during the Premier League’s opening weekend, sparking concerns over the pervasive impact of gambling marketing.
With Westminster holding the power to introduce advertising restrictions across the UK, APG members argue that adopting Ireland’s approach is essential to protecting Northern Ireland’s youth and the broader public from gambling-related harm.