The Guardian has announced a significant policy change: it will no longer accept advertising for gambling products and services across any of its media platforms. This decision marks a comprehensive shift in the newspaper’s advertising policy, excluding lottery gaming.
Effective from June 15, 2023, this new policy means that advertisements for sports betting, online casino gaming, and other gambling products will no longer appear on the Guardian’s website, app, audio, video, newsletters, or within its print publications, including the Guardian, the Observer, and Guardian Weekly.
Anna Bateson, Chief Executive of Guardian Media Group, stated, “We believe the time is right to cease gambling advertising across all Guardian platforms, globally. This new policy will encompass all online and print advertisements, covering sports betting, online casinos, and scratchcards. However, given the unique nature of lotteries, we do not include lottery advertising in this policy.”
Bateson further elaborated, “Our concern lies with the pervasive nature of retargeted digital advertisements that trap a portion of sports fans in an addictive cycle. By taking a stand against gambling advertising, we believe we can offer sports fans around the world a place to enjoy world-class sports journalism in an environment free from advertisements promoting betting, wagering, or online casinos.”
This decision by The Guardian follows closely on the heels of the UK government’s publication of its White Paper on gambling reform, which outlines forthcoming changes to the gambling industry. Critics, however, argue that the White Paper fails to address several critical issues within the UK gambling sector, including the continued advertising of gambling products and services.
The Guardian’s move to prohibit gambling advertisements is a proactive step in response to growing concerns about the impact of such advertising on vulnerable individuals and the broader societal implications. This policy aims to foster a safer and more responsible environment for all readers and sports enthusiasts who engage with The Guardian’s content.
