The Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA) has added new members to its battle against gambling advertising in Britain.
The group, which has been steadfast in its support for improved advertising restrictions, added 10 new members, including councils from Barnet, Blackpool, Brent, Bristol, Devon, East Suffolk, Enfield, Hackney, Lewisham, and Southampton.
CEGA grows from UK council support
The group is seeking further national restrictions on gambling operators, who are exempt from council input on campaigns across billboards, transport networks, and mixed media.
10 more councils have joined CEGA!
Local authorities across the UK are stepping up to protect residents from the harms of gambling advertising.@BpoolCouncil @Brent_Council @BristolCouncil @DevonCC @EastSuffolk @hackneycouncil @LewishamCouncil @SouthamptonCC @EnfieldCouncil pic.twitter.com/lIvUUSZ5oI
— Coalition to End Gambling Ads (@EndGamblingAds) December 1, 2025
CEGA also believes that gambling advertising is one of the biggest causes of gambling-related harm in the UK. This harm could be “financial, social, and mental” to the constituents these councils represent, says the group in a recent release.
The group also believes that a study undertaken by Oxford University identified that “Gambling advertising works and it leads to harm.”
The study, says CEGA, shows a stark underlining of gambling ads as a contributor to “negative lifestyle, health, well-being and leisure outcomes. Gambling is associated with higher rates of future unemployment, physical disability and, at the highest levels, substantially increased mortality.”
Gambling is a public health issue, says CEGA
The advocacy group also points to gambling advertising being a “public health issue” and that more power should be given to local authorities.
There is a similarity between CEGA’s point of view and that of a recent report on cross-council pressure in London to ban advertising on transport systems.
We are proud to join with 10 other councils as members of the @EndGamblingAds in a united stand against the spread of harmful gambling promotions.
Gambling impacts families and we’re committed to creating safer, healthier spaces for our communities. https://t.co/KS3QBAlGzF pic.twitter.com/DYG8y0c1QD
— Brent Council (@Brent_Council) December 1, 2025
The five London councils mentioned, Barnet, Brent, Enfield, Hackney, and Lewisham, are all members of CEGA and have been pushing for this increased regulation.
Chris Kennedy, Hackney Council cabinet member for health, said, “Hackney Council takes a ‘health in all policies’ approach to everything we do. Gambling-related harm is well documented but not well recognised, as it is often a highly stigmatised form of damage in the lives of some of our most deprived citizens.”
These councils in London believe that exposure to gambling is harmful because it is also “unavoidable,” with most advertising permitted all day in digital billboards and traditional forms of media.
“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,” said Will Prochaska, Director of CEGA.
Both CEGA and its policies are pushing for increased regulatory scrutiny of British gambling operators.
Still, it remains to be seen whether the current Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, or those in Westminster will take their points on board or recognize the same level of public harm that gambling advertising poses to Britain’s local communities.
Featured image: CEGA
