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AIBU?

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Original poster

Gambling adverts on telly : preying on those who can least afford?

38 replies

ListeningQuietly · 31/07/2020 23:16

Every TV programme has multiple gambling ads
targeted at those who can least afford
including CHILDREN who think they might win

should gambling ads be treated in the same way as other addicted behaviours
and be banned?

OP posts:
Sparklesocks · 31/07/2020 23:18

I haven’t seen the children aimed ones, which ones are they? Is it like in app purchases for kids’ games?

CarbsafterMarbs · 31/07/2020 23:35

I’ve never seen gambling adverts aimed at children on t.v.

But there does seem to be a lot of gamble aware adverts on t.v right now which I think is promoting themselves in a not to subtle way.

heartsonacake · 31/07/2020 23:40

YABU. People are responsible for their own actions; we can’t hide things away because they might be tempted. They have self control and free will.

Pelleas · 31/07/2020 23:42

Yes, they should.

Nottherealslimshady · 31/07/2020 23:47

You could say that about anything. The whole point of adverts is to convince people to spend their money on things they otherwise wouldn't have.

JaneJeffer · 01/08/2020 00:02

Yes they should be banned. They're always on during sports.

Yeahnahmum · 01/08/2020 00:11

You could just say no, you know,
And I find it hard to believe they are targeting at kids, young adults maybe but not kids

JaneJeffer · 01/08/2020 00:14

Gambling addicts can't say no.

CloudsCanLookLikeSheep · 01/08/2020 00:14

Well seeing as you have to be over 18 to gamble, it would be a spectacularly stupid marketing strategy to aim gambling ads at kids.

MrBattersby · 01/08/2020 00:16

Every TV programme has multiple gambling ads - No they don't
targeted at those who can least afford - No they aren't, they'd target those with cash to burn
including CHILDREN who think they might win - Children can't legally gamble unless you count

Deadringer · 01/08/2020 00:17

I think the amount of gambling ads on tv is a disgrace. Yanbu

PammieDooveOrangeJoof · 01/08/2020 00:17

I noticed tonight every other bloody as was for a gambling site. They should be banned. That’s all some people need at the moment.

Keeping2ChevronsApart · 01/08/2020 00:22

They don't target people with cash to burn

My ex was a gambler with a low paid job. We had small children and had to borrow money from his parents to buy food. It split us up in the end, though his mother blamed me for not being supportive enough Confused

MaintainTheMolehill · 01/08/2020 00:24

I voted YANBU but it's a difficult one, on one hand I have had an issue with gambling in the past and these adverts are making me think more about it and be more tempted however what about ads for alcohol then? Are these tempting for alcoholics or enticing for kids to try alcohol?

heartsonacake · 01/08/2020 00:28

@JaneJeffer

Gambling addicts can't say no.
Of course they can. They’re choosing not to by not getting help.

Saying they “can’t” is just giving them an excuse and saying it’s out of their hands when that’s simply not the case. It allows them to absolve themselves of any responsibility.

Holothane · 01/08/2020 00:35

I hate them even the bingo ones.

JaneJeffer · 01/08/2020 01:08

Saying they “can’t” is just giving them an excuse
If they were able to stop gambling they wouldn't be an addict!

Yes of course they should get help just like any other addict but addiction is not as simple as that.

brastrapbroken · 01/08/2020 01:12

Every TV programme has multiple gambling ads
targeted at those who can least afford
including CHILDREN who think they might win

Do you mean competitions? Because it would be really weird for a gambling site to aim their ads at kids who can't actually gamble Confused

ohrien · 01/08/2020 02:02

My DSis is a gambling addict and has lost 10s of thousands over the years. She damn near lost her marriage over it and her DC who are now teens resent her over it. She still does it on the regular, but now mostly is able to stick to the odd tenner and has strategies and ways to get herself to stop. Still bad, but not catastrophic anymore.

She never tries to absolve responsibility on it to anybody else, but has said many a time that sometimes she’ll be sitting watching telly not even thinking about gambling until an advert comes on and she now avoids live television because of it. And I’ll be honest, when we’re watching telly together and a gambling advert comes on there is always a distinct elephant on the room.

There is no good reason for these adverts to exist and I think it’s just a vile as it would be if smoking adverts aired. Both things can completely destroy a persons life.

rosiejaune · 01/08/2020 02:06

@heartsonacake

YABU. People are responsible for their own actions; we can’t hide things away because they might be tempted. They have self control and free will.
Gambling is an inherently unethical industry though. In order for some people to win, others have to lose. And more people lose, because the company also wants to make profit.

It's just a trap for desperate and vulnerable people, and a decent society wouldn't support its existence.

GnomeDePlume · 01/08/2020 02:28

I would like to see advertising for gambling banned in the same way that advertising for smoking is banned.

I lose respect for any 'celebrity' who takes part in an advert for gambling

GameChange123 · 01/08/2020 03:43

Yes I have noticed the increased frequency of gambling ads on the telly. Also had a gambling as pop up here on this page.

lilylion · 01/08/2020 03:50

I’m a recovering addict and the adverts are horrendous, absolutely horrendous, trying to tempt people with special offers - you can’t do that with alcohol or cigarettes.

I have to use ad blockers online to avoid being shown them.

whiplashy · 01/08/2020 03:55

what gambling ads are aimed at kids?!

KANNET · 01/08/2020 06:49

Im always shocked at the amount on bingo adverts on in the day. So obviously aimed at
Mums at home
, "bored tired not getting any time away from the kids- come blow your child allowance and have some me time- it's just like going out with friends"

I can easily see how people become addicted