Advertising for gambling and betting on the London Underground. Source: Waking up in Geelong

London Mayor Faces Criticism for Unfulfilled Promise to Ban Gambling Ads on Public Transport

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is facing criticism from residents for failing to fulfill his election promise to ban gambling advertisements on Transport for London (TfL) trains and buses. During his 2021 election campaign, Khan pledged to remove such advertising, citing concerns about its potential to "destroy lives and families." However, the advertisements have continued to appear, sparking discontent among those worried about the proliferation of gambling addiction.

The health committee of the London Assembly has urged Khan to follow through on his commitments and eliminate inappropriate gambling ads from public transport. In response, representatives of the mayor stated that distinguishing between harmful and harmless gambling brands is challenging, making it difficult to implement a ban. Nevertheless, the committee maintains its stance and urges Khan to enforce a complete ban on gambling promotion on trains and buses.

Despite overall low rates of gambling involvement, London has the highest rate of gambling harm in the United Kingdom, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.

18 March 2024, 14:30

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