Sky TV to Limit Gambling Ads

UK television group Sky has announced that they're going to be limiting the number of gambling ads that they air across their different channels and also allow viewers to block gambling ads beginning in 2020.

UK law allows for up to four betting spots per break, and the pay TV group is going to limit spots to one per break for the 2019-2020 Premier League season. The decision will apply to every channel that the company sells ads for. Interestingly, the company revealed that they'll allow viewers to block out gambling ads on cable boxes in a technology that it's developed with Virgin Media.

Commenting on the decision Sky CEO Steven van Rooyen said, "Our customers are worried about gambling ads on TV - and we understand their concerns. That's why we've committed to limiting the amount of gambling ads on Sky and better protecting those vulnerable to problem gambling."

The move is being praised by responsible gaming charity GambleAware, whose CEO Marc Etches said, "For some time GambleAware has been raising concerns about the relationship between football and gambling. Specifically, we are concerned that the amount of gambling-related marketing on television and online serves to normalise gambling for children, and we have commissioned research into its impact that will be published in 2019.

"In the meantime, broadcasters, clubs and advertisers all have a role to play in helping to make people aware of the risks of gambling and where to find help and support if it is needed including the National Gambling Helpline via BeGambleAware.org."