Charity calls for new rules on gambling advertising.

The UK lags behind Europe on measures to restrict betting ads, according to a report just released by betting charity GambleAware. Official data shows a sharp increase in the number of children with a gambling problem.

The number of betting adverts during the opening weekend of the Premier League season almost trebled compared to last year, their research says.

They analysed Premier League coverage in the UK across TV – including pitchside hoardings and shirt logos – as well as radio and social media.

They counted more than 29,000 gambling messages, a 165% increase on the opening weekend a year ago. Is it any wonder then that gambling ads have come under immense scrutiny?

Gambling is a vice dressed-up as entertainment. It has almost become more important than the sport, with punters only caring how many corners are scored rather that the outcome of a football match for their team.

Add to this the dream of potentially winning big money and you have a recipe for financial disaster.

A spokesman for GambleAware said:

“You can win but the odds are always stacked in favour of the bookies and incessant advertising to youngsters is causing problems at an early age.”