In statement issued by the Church of England has requested that all advertisements that promote gambling will carry health warnings about the danger of developing gambling addiction. The Church claims that the potential benefits of doing this should outweigh the drawback of extra financial costs for advertisers.
The statement questions whether the Government's goals for regulating gambling advertisements are realistic or achievable.
The statement supports the Government's objective in the Gambling Act 2005 that "the reduction of harm should take precedence over the maximization of innovation, consumer choice and economic gains," but is doubtful regarding how far any regulatory framework can achieve this objective given the persuasive nature of advertising.
The Church of England also calls on the Gambling Commission to condition gambling operator's licenses with complying with advertising rules.
The Church's submission proposes an age limit of 25 for all the people that are shown gambling or play a significant part in advertisements. The reason given for this proposition is that adolescents should not be led into identifying with or imitating the behavior of gamblers.
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