A new report shows that gambling is becoming harder to avoid in everyday life. It appears on TV, online, in sports sponsorships, and even in shops and food delivery apps. Many people are worried about how this could affect them socially and financially.

Almost two-thirds of Britons say they have seen more gambling ads on TV, online, and through sports teams. The findings come from Ending a Losing Streak, a report by the More in Common think tank. The research was funded by The Coalition to End Gambling Ads, a group that wants online gambling ads removed in the UK.

Increased Exposure, Rising Concern

The report shows that as gambling ads have grown, so has awareness of gambling-related harm. About one in five people said they or someone close to them has been affected by problem gambling. People are most worried about online and mobile gambling, which they say is “more addictive due to its speed, constant availability, and lack of social oversight compared with in-person betting environments.”

The study also shows differences in who gambles. Men are more likely to gamble than women, with men aged 35 to 44 being the most active. Younger men usually place bigger bets, while women aged 25 to 34 tend to place larger wagers than older women.

Doubts About Industry and Regulation

Many people doubt the gambling industry can prevent harm. Confidence in self-regulation is low because it is seen as ineffective and conflicted. Trust in the Gambling Commission is mixed, particularly among non-gamblers, the report says.

Support for stronger government action is high and crosses political lines.

About 65% of people want stricter rules for the gambling industry, more than those who support tighter rules for tech or financial services. The most popular measures include slowing down online gambling products, tracking losses to stop people from spending too much, and tightening advertising rules, especially where children can see them.

Football Sponsorship and Taxation

Advertising in football is one of the most criticized areas. Most people said they want fewer gambling sponsorships in the sport, and many support a full separation between gambling companies and football clubs. While some are unsure about banning all ads, protecting under-18s is seen as the main priority.

Higher taxes on gambling are also widely supported, especially for online gambling and slot machines. But people are concerned that relying too much on gambling taxes could make it harder to reduce harm if the costs are passed to players. Overall, the research shows that people want policies that focus on cutting social damage rather than helping the gambling industry grow.