Families affected by gambling-related suicides call on London Mayor to deliver on 2021 promise
Grieving families who have lost loved ones to gambling-related suicide have made a heartfelt appeal to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, urging him to honour his 2021 pledge to ban betting and casino advertisements on the capital’s public transport network.
In an emotional letter addressed to City Hall this week, 28 individuals affected by gambling harm—including 20 bereaved family members—called on the mayor to act decisively. “How many more must suffer or die before something is done?” the letter asks.
During his re-election campaign four years ago, Mr Khan pledged to direct Transport for London (TfL) to cease running gambling adverts across its network, citing the “devastating way gambling addiction can destroy lives and families.” Yet, despite that promise, gambling adverts continue to appear on buses, trains and platforms throughout the city.
In response to criticism, City Hall has stated that the delay stems from legal concerns. Dr Tom Coffey, the mayor’s health advisor, previously told the London Assembly that TfL could be exposed to legal challenges if it were to ban gambling ads based solely on its own interpretation of ‘harmful gambling.’ As such, City Hall has been waiting for a national definition and policy framework from the Government before proceeding.
Dr Coffey said once that definition is in place, City Hall will “move as swiftly as possible,” warning that premature action could result in costly legal disputes. “What I do not think you would want me to do,” he said, “is do something that would cost millions in legal challenges and not move the dial one little bit.”
However, campaigners say that explanation no longer holds. The bereaved families’ letter points out that more than 80 local authorities across England have already implemented bans on gambling advertising on council-owned properties—without encountering legal resistance.
Among those councils are Bristol, Hackney, Coventry, Dorset and Epsom and Ewell, many of which have taken action in the name of public health. “There is clear evidence that gambling is harmful,” the letter continues. “Other councils haven’t waited for national permission—why should London?”
Will Prochaska, spokesperson for the Coalition to End Gambling Ads (CEGA), criticised the mayor’s delay. “Sadiq was a trailblazer in 2021 when he called for an end to gambling ads on TfL. Now he must follow through,” he said. “Other councils haven’t waited for permission from Lisa Nandy [Culture Secretary], and if Sadiq uses that as an excuse, it will come at a horrifying cost—as these families know too well.”
A spokeswoman for Mr Khan said the mayor’s “thoughts are with all families and individuals who have been impacted by gambling addiction” and confirmed a written response to the letter would be sent. She added: “The Government has a renewed commitment to looking at the best way to address gambling harms nationally, and the mayor is pleased that one of the specific objectives of the research is to understand the impact of advertising.
“Sadiq hopes that national leadership will provide a framework to address the issue, including a definition of harmful gambling advertising. Once concluded, he will consider what action he can take at a regional level.”
Meanwhile, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC), the industry’s main representative body, defended the sector’s current approach. A spokesman stated that their members follow “strict guidelines,” dedicate 20% of advertising space to safer gambling messages, and have contributed over £170 million in recent years to tackle problem gambling.
They also pointed to NHS figures estimating that 0.4% of the adult population are problem gamblers, and insisted most people who gamble do so responsibly.
But for bereaved families, that’s little comfort. Their message to the mayor is clear: the time for action is now.
