TAB revises ads schedule as New Zealand foundation expresses concern

Lea Hogg July 22, 2024

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TAB revises ads schedule as New Zealand foundation expresses concern

TAB, under the management of British gambling giant Entain for over a year, has faced significant criticism for its aggressive advertising campaign. The Problem Gambling Foundation, represented by spokesperson Andree Froude, (photo above), voiced concerns about the pervasive nature of these ads, particularly their impact on vulnerable individuals.

“The TAB adverts are just about everywhere; they’re really undertaking an aggressive marketing campaign on television, social media, and radio,” Froude stated. She highlighted that these ads, especially those aired during prime-time TV slots, could be “really triggering” for people with gambling problems.

Froude noted that the current campaign is much more aggressive than previous ones, with ads appearing frequently across various media. “The research does tell us that if people are exposed to advertising like this, it can increase participation in gambling, and harmful gambling,” she added.

The foundation questioned why gambling isn’t regulated similarly to alcohol in terms of advertising restrictions. TAB’s ads often depict gambling as a social activity, appealing to younger audiences with a light-hearted approach. While this might present gambling in a less problematic light, it also risks normalizing the activity, Froude warned.

Call for stricter gambling regulations

Entain has responded to the feedback by adjusting its advertising schedule, ensuring compliance with regulations and aiming to minimize exposure to children and young people. “Our media agency only buys advertising spots for shows which have less than 15 percemt of under 18-year-old viewers,” an Entain spokesperson explained.

Despite these adjustments, Froude argued for stronger regulations to control gambling advertisements, comparing the situation to alcohol advertising restrictions. The Problem Gambling Foundation had previously expressed concerns about Entain’s management, but noted no major issues until the recent advertising campaign.

Entain’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible gambling, highlighting new tools on the TAB betting platform to help users manage their betting habits. These tools include setting spending limits, controlling market visibility, and implementing account curfews.

The foundation plans to formally raise its concerns with Entain, advocating for more stringent advertising regulations to protect vulnerable individuals from the potential harms of gambling.