BGC survey reveals 71% of Brits would find gambling health warnings “ineffective”

New data released by YouGov on behalf of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has revealed that 71% of those surveyed consider health warnings akin to those on cigarette packets would be ineffective in preventing gambling-related harm.

On the flip side, only 3% think that warnings would be “very effective”.

The survey also found that nearly half of respondents thought that banning promotions such as free bets would have no impact on problem-gambling rates in the UK, whereas 8% thought it would be very effective.

Both of these measures have been lobbied for by anti-gambling pressure groups as a way of bringing down the UK’s problem-gambling rate.

Michael Dugher, the BGC’s CEO, argued that these measures could be counterintuitive.

Dugher said: “Problem gambling rates in the UK are low and have fallen, but still the anti-gambling lobby – prohibitionists who just want to ban things – are pushing for draconian measures which will only stigmatise those who enjoy a harmless flutter.

“Measures like these, however well meaning, will only serve to drive punters from the regulated sector to the unsafe, unregulated gambling black market where the numbers [of people] betting have doubled in recent years and the amount staked is in the billions.”

Dugher went on to lambast anti-gambling lobbyists.

He said: “Anti-gambling prohibitionists are determined to treat betting like tobacco and to treat punters like smokers – but these two things are worlds apart and should be regulated entirely differently.”

This survey comes as the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak looks to make his mark on the white paper into the Gambling Act 2005 review.

PM Sunak has reportedly already green-lit proposals for a maximum stake limit on online slots and “non-intrusive” affordability checks.

There is also rumours of the creation of an independent ombudsman that will help settle disputes between consumers and the gambling industry.