BGC survey rejects problem gambling resolution theory

A survey has found that 71 per cent of the British public believe that a government health warning, similar to those on cigarette packs, would not have an impact on problem gambling.

The Betting and Gaming Council has made the claim after a poll conducted by YouGov on its behalf.

The BGC said that nearly half of the public thought that banning popular promotions such as free bets would also have little impact.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the BGC, 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.”

The measures have been put forward by anti-gambling pressure groups as a means of preventing compulsive behaviour among gamblers. The BGC also commented that only 0.3 per cent of the British adult population has a gambling problem, compared with 0.4 per cent previously.

The survey also showed that only three per cent of the public felt that it would be ‘very effective’ to place warnings on betting products and only eight per cent felt the same about banning free games.

The British Government is expected to release a white paper on UK gambling reform in the coming weeks.