The Guardian turns away gambling ad dollars, accepts losing out on big money deals
Guardian Australia said its move to turn away all gambling ad dollars will result in ad revenue losses “in the multi-millions”. However, if not now, the decision to cut ties with its fastest-growing ad category will only get harder from here.
The publisher will now stop accepting gambling advertising for online, audio, video and print content as a part of the media group’s global move to “do the right thing”.
Rook
Thai is a great move by The Guardian. It’s comparable to a business who refused tobacco advertising in the 1970s. These gambling businesses provide few jobs (compared to turnover), cause massive social harm and makes younger people think that the purpose of sport is to allow people to bet on a result. Just because something is legal does not mean it’s harmless. Asbestos – cheap, fire resistant and a good thermal insulator. Get yours now for your 1960s home.
Are they for real? Are a the Guardian the arbiters of what is acceptable advertising . Do they accept ads from Qatar Airways? [Moderated under Mumbrella’s comment policy]. Agree that they can choose who does and doesn’t advertise on their media properties but that’s the beginning of the end of free speech and an open commercial economy.
Last time I checked, gambling ads were legal. Self Sensor at your own peril you…
I love when people whine about free speech when a business opts to censor or remove content. Free speech is the right to say or NOT say what you choose. Refusing gambling ads is just as much a reflection of free speech as it is to show them.
They should just stop accepting all ads except from charities and provide them for free
How is this virtue signalling? Do you even know what this means?
What a lovely idea, except for the fact that salaries couldn’t be paid if this was put into place
No morale fortitude for the last decade in market? Only now at the point of audience backlash and government inquiries that The Guardian takes action. LOL.
0.8% of gamblers are problem gamblers.
Biggest issue are poker machines but I don’t see any gambling warning messages on poker machines or warning messages at casinos?
Majority of people are not problem gamblers.
I bet you that more than 0.8% of those who use pokies have a gambling problem. $40.
Stunning reading comprehension skills from yourself mate – that 0.8% number you’re quoting represented the percentage of the entire population that has a gambling problem, not the percentage of gamblers (it’s also up to 1% now)
The money that gambling companies bring in and therefore spend on advertising in Australia is astronomical. This ban really does underline the ethos of The Guardian and their commitment to reducing harm in society in a myriad of ways. To those who are having a tantrum about it-are you suggesting that you like having your article interrupted by gambling ads? Are you mourning the loss of aggressive or pop up ads and think not having them surround content that it will take away from your reading experience?