German Commissioner for Addiction and Drug Issues Burkhard Blienert has issued a clarion call to governments worldwide, championing a 9pm watershed on gambling ads.
Blienert, a member of Germany’s governing Social Democratic Party (SPD), warned that a rise in advertising from betting brands may lead to a commensurate rise in problem gambling.
He called on governments to take action now, suggesting countries should institute a 9pm watershed on gambling adverts, whether they be on television or the internet.
“Advertising for online gambling and sports betting is spreading at a breakneck speed. This trend is concerning because hundreds of thousands of people already have problem gambling or are even addicted,” Blienert said.