Concerns prevail over casino TV adverts

Although there is to be a public consultation committee before the adverts are allowed, fears remain that children and people with gambling problems will be at risk of being encouraged to gamble.

“The Salvation Army is concerned about the introduction of new gambling advertising and the potential impact that this may have on society,” said Salvation Army spokesman Captain Matt Spencer.

“We fear this could lead to an increase in problem gambling and this needs to be closely monitored.”

Under current proposals, betting organisations will be allowed to advertise on television from next September.

While those on the committee are saying that they will exercise caution on the adverts, others are concerned that any advertising will encourage gambling and the debt risk this brings.

With internet gambling already being criticised for encouraging more credit card debt, the Evangelical Alliance said it would have liked the committee to have “exercised greater moral and social responsibility”.