MP calls for ban on TV gambling ads to stop more lives being ruined by addiction

This morning, Cumbrian MP Tim Farron has written to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lucy Frazer, urging her to introduce a ban on gambling adverts on TV and radio.

It comes as the Government have today published their long awaited gambling white paper. The measures have been broadly welcomed but there's been criticism by campaigners that they don't include changes to gambling advertising and marketing.

A recent survey commissioned by the charity Gambling with Lives showed that a majority of the public supported a ban on all gambling advertising, promotion and sponsorship.

In a letter to the Culture Secretary, Tim said: "Gambling ruins people's lives. It destroys relationships, breaks up families and leaves people in deep and desperate debt.

"From speaking to constituents who have come to my advice surgeries, I have seen the heart-breaking consequences that a gambling addiction can lead to.

"The millions who watched last night's Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal were once again bombarded with a deluge of gambling adverts.

"The audience will have included many children and young people who are being brought up to think that regular gambling is a normal part of sport.

"This obviously isn't a one off. You cannot watch a TV sporting event without seeing a betting advert - and that has been the case for a long time. Day after day, year after year, we are shown an endless stream of adverts urging them to place a bet and throw our money away.

"If real action to change this doesn't happen soon, then more and more lives will continue to be devastated by this dreadful addiction.

"It's almost been 60 years since the Government banned cigarette adverts on TV. It is now high time surely we did the same for gambling."