Episode 38 of the After Gambling Podcast Transcript
Introduction
This is episode 38 of the After Gambling Podcast. In this episode, we’ll talk about advertising bans on gambling and what I think might be a good compromise and maybe a unique solution.
Hey there, and welcome to the After Gambling Podcast. My name is Jamie. I am a compulsive gambler, and I’m also the host of this show. The last time I gambled was July 15th of 2010.
On the heels of the 2018 World Cup and with just the general expansion of gambling here in the U.S., advertising has been a huge topic of discussion. We’ll touch on some of the things that are happening around the world in this episode, but I wanted to devote an episode to advertising because this is sort of my area of expertise as well. This is what I do for a living—advertising and marketing. So, I look at it a little differently than some people, but I wanted to share my thoughts because I think we can go too far in either direction. We can have too many ads, but we can also become overly sensitive and ban all advertising for gambling. And if it’s legal, I just don’t see how we can create a complete ban on a product that we as a government say is okay for people to consume, any more than we should on alcohol or food or any type of product.
Yes, I think there need to be limitations. I think there should be limitations for any product. Any product that has both a good and a bad side has a social responsibility to make sure that they are helping out in places where they may also be causing problems.
The Trigger for Today’s Episode
A big reason why I wanted to do this episode and why it kind of spurred me to do it today is that I was watching the Ryder Cup, which is playing right now, and the wind gauge popped up. They said, “Oh, a 10-mile-an-hour wind,” and each hole they were showing the wind gauge. Well, one of the gambling companies here in the U.S. is sponsoring the wind gauge, so each time it pops up, it shows their company logo and name.
Now, I know for those of you across the pond in the UK or maybe in Australia, you’re saying, “Well, Jamie, this is the kind of stuff we’ve been complaining about for a long time.” Don’t get me wrong; it’s not that gambling advertising here in the United States is completely new. A few years back, we had the fantasy sports boom, and they were spending big on advertising until they got cracked down on. But before that, anything related to sport was sponsored by these companies. And so, I get it. I know we haven’t headed nearly to the level that you have in the UK or in other countries, but it was interesting that this popped up in golf. It’s probably a good place to put it, but it’s going to be there, and it’s going to be in front of people.
Pushback Against Gambling Ads
Right now, there isn’t a whole lot of legislation in the U.S., but there is around the world, and there’s pushback—especially about the World Cup being so packed with ads. I think the gambling companies and the television networks made a big mistake by pushing it too far. Now, they’re receiving so much pushback that they realize they oversaturated the market with ads, and people noticed for all the wrong reasons.
With advertising, it’s kind of a double-edged sword. You hope your ad gets noticed and talked about, but you don’t want it to fail spectacularly either. I think that’s what we’re seeing now with the gambling ads—companies pushed too far, and now there’s a backlash.
A Trip Around the World on Gambling Bans
Let’s do a quick trip around the world to see what’s happening with gambling advertising bans. First, let’s start off with Italy. This past summer, they passed a government-approved ban on all advertising for gambling—this includes TV, radio, and online—and they promised hefty fines for non-compliance. When this happened in July, it was a big topic of discussion, especially at the National Conference. As one operator said, “If you take away our chance to advertise, you’re essentially cutting out our chance to survive.” And I do think this is too far.
I understand that getting someone addicted to gambling can have devastating effects on their life and family, but at the same time, banning a company’s ability to advertise a legal product is problematic. If the government says it’s okay for people to do something, it’s hypocritical to then make advertising that product illegal.
The UK’s Approach
Now, let’s shift over to the UK. Recently, I came across an article talking about the Labour Party, one of the major political parties, running on a platform of gambling reform. One of their main points is a “whistle-to-whistle” ban on gambling ads during live sports. Again, this is on the heels of the World Cup, and I think it has potential. I think it’s not a bad idea, but I have another idea that may be more of a meeting in the middle because I don’t see how we can completely eliminate a company’s ability to promote their product if it’s legal.
My Proposal: A Compromise Solution
So what do I think? As a former gambler, an advertiser, and someone who has had his life wrecked by gambling, what do I think about gambling ad bans? I don’t agree with complete bans because they limit a business’s ability to be viable. If you’re going to make something legal, you have to allow the company to survive. But I also think there’s a social responsibility. If you profit off of something that has a dark side, you should be part of helping that dark side out.
Here’s my compromise: What if we say gambling companies can spend as much as they want on advertising, but with every dollar they spend on ads, they must also spend an equal amount on awareness and educational campaigns about problem gambling? The big problem we have in getting awareness and education for gambling disorder is a lack of funding. If we could use gambling advertising dollars to fund awareness, then more people would be able to spot the signs of problem gambling earlier and get help.
The Importance of a Balanced Approach
I fully admit this isn’t a fully-formed plan—there are lots of details to be ironed out. But I think it’s a great starting point for a conversation. If gambling companies truly want their customers to enjoy their products responsibly, then this balanced advertising approach is a way to show that commitment. It’s about promoting their product, but also making sure the right safeguards are in place for those who struggle.
In the U.S., we haven’t yet experienced the kind of saturation that’s been seen elsewhere, but we will. I know the advertising will spike, and there will be backlash. I think we need to be thoughtful about how we handle this because going to extremes—either with no regulations or complete bans—doesn’t help anyone.
Governments Need to Step Up
One more thing: I don’t want to let the governments off the hook here. In the U.S., there is hardly any funding for problem gambling, and it’s pathetic. We fund treatment for drugs, alcohol, and mental health, but gambling doesn’t get nearly the attention it should. Governments need to be proactive, not reactive, about the harms that gambling can cause—not just to individuals, but to their families and communities. Gambling harm goes well beyond the individual, and it’s time governments acknowledged that.
Conclusion
Thanks for listening to my thoughts on gambling advertising bans. I think we need a balanced approach that addresses the needs of both the industry and the people impacted by it. Let’s find that middle ground where advertising dollars also fund responsible gambling campaigns so that everyone wins.
One final note—I’ve started a YouTube channel! My first video is about why I think the numbers of problem gamblers are vastly underreported. It’s just one video so far, but more are coming, including some vlogs. You can search “After Gambling” on YouTube or find the link in the show notes.
Remember, I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or therapist. This podcast is for educational purposes, and if you need help, please seek professional assistance. Finally, music for the show is “Something Elated” by Broke for Free, licensed under Creative Commons.
Thanks for listening. I’ll see you in the next episode—or maybe in the next YouTube video.
