All bets are off: why the Guardian has decided to reject gambling advertising
We believe our primary obligation is to do the right thing for our readers, says the chief executive of Guardian Media Group
The gambling industry has grown rapidly in recent years, and Britain and Australia have led this global expansion. Many people like the occasional bet, but the advent of 24/7 betting apps on smartphones, marketed to the public through billions of pounds and dollars in advertising across all forms of media, has placed high stakes gambling machines in almost every pocket. This creates a greater risk of gambling addiction and financial ruin.
Guardian journalists have reported on the devastating impact of the gambling industry in the UK and Australia, helping to shift the dial and ensure the issue remains high on the public agenda. Problem gambling poses significant risks, leading to financial distress, mental health issues such as depression, and various personal and social problems for many individuals. The costs of problem gambling for individuals, their families, and for wider society, are significant.
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