4 years after promised ban, gambling ads still in London Tube
London Mayor Sadiq Khan (featured in the image above) is under fire for failing to deliver on his 2021 pledge to ban gambling advertisements across the Transport for London (TfL) network. Critics argue that his reluctance to implement the ban contradicts his previous commitments and delays much-needed protections against gambling-related harm, The Standard reported.
Unfulfilled promise
During his re-election campaign, Khan promised to instruct TfL to prohibit ads from betting companies and casinos, citing the destructive impact of gambling addiction on individuals and families. However, nearly four years later, no such policy has been enforced.
TfL earned £663,640 in revenue from gambling adverts in 2022-23, against an overall revenue of £4.3bn, as per official figures.
According to The Standard, Khan now says he will wait for the UK Government to establish a national framework before taking any action at the city level. This stance has sparked criticism, particularly from Green London Assembly member Caroline Russell, who questioned why the mayor is waiting for external guidance instead of proactively implementing an ethical advertising policy for TfL.
The mayor told the LDRS, “I’ve asked the Greater London Authority to do some research into this.“
Political pressure mounts
Labour’s 2024 general election manifesto reaffirmed the party’s commitment to tackling gambling-related harm, promising to strengthen regulations. However, Khan’s hesitancy has drawn scrutiny, with many urging him to uphold his individual promise to Londoners rather than deferring responsibility to national policymakers.
Last year, the London Assembly’s health committee raised concerns that problem gambling rates in the capital are nearly double the national average. Critics argue that the delay in action exposes vulnerable individuals to continued harm.
Legal and financial concerns
Khan’s office has not provided a timeline for a potential policy shift. His team has hinted at concerns over potential legal challenges and financial repercussions for TfL, which has historically relied on advertising revenue, including from gambling firms. TfL previously banned junk food ads in 2019 as part of a public health initiative, raising questions about why similar measures cannot be applied to gambling.
