Council joins national coalition to tackle gambling advertising

Blackburn with Darwen Council is set to join a national coalition calling for stronger restrictions on gambling advertising, as part of its ongoing work to protect residents from gambling-related harms.

With the FIFA World Cup just two weeks away, the Council is becoming a member of the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) to help protect communities at risk.

CEGA is a cross-sector partnership that brings together local authorities, public health bodies and charities to advocate for tighter national controls on gambling promotion.

The decision to join CEGA reinforces the commitment made in the Council’s 2025 Gambling-Related Harms Needs Assessment, which highlighted the scale of the issue locally and recommended national policy changes.

The assessment found that rates of gambling-related harm in Blackburn with Darwen are around three times higher than the national average, affecting both adults and young people. Residents in more disadvantaged communities are disproportionately impacted.

Joining CEGA will support one of the Gambling Related Harms Needs Assessment’s key recommendations: to strengthen national advocacy and reduce exposure to gambling advertising.

Councillor Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Housing and Health, said:

Gambling is an addiction that destroys lives.  Its impact is felt just as greatly as addictions to illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco. 

For too long, gambling has not been treated in the same way as other addictions because it does not have a direct physical health impact. The establishment of online gambling makes work to combat the addiction all the more important.

With major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup increasing the visibility of gambling advertising, this move comes at a critical time to raise awareness and promote safer environments for residents.

Joining CEGA will support the Council’s ambition to reduce exposure to gambling advertising and help influence national policy to better protect communities at risk of gambling harms.

CEGA membership will also align this Council with a growing number of local authorities nationally and leading public health organisations, including the Association of Directors of Public Health, Royal Society for Public Health and the Faculty of Public Health.

By working collaboratively, we can amplify the call for legislative change. Hopefully by the time of the 2030 World Cup, we will have affected gambling advertising reforms.

The Council has already taken steps locally by not allowing gambling advertising across its own assets – including bus shelters and digital screens – and the move to join CEGA will support this approach.

Being part of CEGA will provide the Council with opportunities to increase its influence on national decision-making while continuing to prioritise the health and wellbeing of local residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council joins more than 45 organisations calling for an end to gambling promotion, including the three leading public health bodies in the UK, and 14 local authorities.

Through partnership working at both local and national levels, Blackburn with Darwen Council and its partners aim to reduce harm, support those affected, and drive meaningful change in how gambling is promoted across the UK.

Will Prochaska, Director of CEGA, added:

It’s inspiring to see councils stepping up to protect the health of their populations where national government is still wanting. Councils across the UK are recognising that gambling is a public health crisis fuelled by relentless advertising.

By joining this coalition, they’re standing up for their communities and sending a clear message: it’s time to stop allowing companies to profit from promoting harmful products. We urge others to follow their lead.

Residents who may be affected by gambling-related harms are encouraged to visit the Be Well BwD website to find out more about the advice and support available in the borough.