I am personally touched by the devastating impact of gambling, as suicide is the leading cause of death among men under 50, and there's a clear link to feelings of shame and indebtedness. The rise in suicides and mental health issues in the UK is alarming, with gambling often serving as an unhealthy form of escapism during these difficult times. In our current cost-of-living crisis, families across our nation are being affected by this issue.

It's disheartening to see popular shows like The Great British Bake Off being interrupted by adverts encouraging viewers to gamble. These advertisements often feature famous personalities who seem to be endorsing this harmful habit, further tempting vulnerable individuals into a potentially destructive path.

According to a study conducted by GambleAware (2019), around 1.2% of adults in England are problem gamblers - that's nearly half a million people at risk! Moreover, it has been found that exposure to gambling advertising can lead people towards developing problematic gambling behaviours (Binde P., Romild U., Volberg R.A., 2017).

We need urgent action now! We call upon our government and broadcasting authorities to ban all forms of gambling advertisements on national television. This step will not only protect vulnerable individuals but also contribute significantly towards improving mental health nationwide.

Please sign this petition today – let us put an end to the damaging influence of televised gambling adverts for good!