MP Chris Evans has called for stronger measures to protect minors from exposure to gambling advertising, emphasizing the long-term risks associated with early exposure to gambling through sports and other media. In an opinion piece shared with media outlets, Evans highlighted that children involved in sports often look up to athletes and are inadvertently exposed to gambling ads featuring logos and headlines promoting betting offers, which can create troubling associations.

Evans pointed out that this exposure could have lasting negative impacts, potentially leading to gambling addiction later in life. He drew parallels to how tobacco advertising was once pervasive but was eventually phased out of public spaces, suggesting that gambling advertising in sports is similarly embedded in our culture and needs to be addressed.

He expressed optimism about recent legislative changes, such as the introduction of a statutory levy and the replacement of industry-funded programs with more regulated options for research and treatment. The UK Gambling Commission has also implemented measures that penalize companies based on their gross gaming yield, incentivizing higher standards of compliance and player safety.

However, Evans cautioned that these steps are just the beginning. He advocates for the creation of an independent regulator empowered to penalize or shut down companies breaching advertising rules, especially those targeting children. Evans reaffirmed his commitment to pushing for further reforms to ensure that gambling advertising is appropriately restricted and that children are better protected from the potential harms of early exposure.