Time to Ban Gambling Ads: Responsible Gaming Efforts Aren’t Enough

New research from the American Gaming Association (AGA) shows a significant increase in responsible gaming investments, with the industry now spending $471.8 million annually—up 72% since 2017. While this might sound promising, it raises an important question: If the gambling industry is so committed to responsibility, why are we still bombarded with endless ads promoting gambling?

Sure, the money is being poured into customer service, education, and problem gambling services, but at the same time, aggressive advertising continues to pull in new players, often without sufficient safeguards. It feels like the industry is speaking out of both sides of its mouth—promoting responsibility while fueling addiction with relentless promotions.

Joe Maloney, AGA’s senior VP, talks about giving players "tools and knowledge" to gamble safely. But wouldn't the best tool be less exposure to gambling in the first place? The real issue isn’t just about increasing responsible gaming investments—it's about reducing the harm caused by constant gambling ads that lure people in.

Despite these efforts, the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) notes that many states still lag behind in enforcing proper standards for responsible gambling, particularly when it comes to online betting. If regulators can’t keep up, perhaps it’s time to consider banning gambling ads altogether, offering a more direct way to protect vulnerable individuals.

Investing in responsible gaming is important, but the industry also needs to address its role in promoting gambling culture through advertising. Banning gambling ads could be the real solution to creating a safer environment for everyone.