Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has had discussions with both terrestrial and satellite television companies on the number of betting adverts shown during major sporting events; and if he will make a statement.

Ministers and officials have regular meetings and discussions with broadcasters on a range of issues. Details of Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on gov.uk

The Gaming Machines and Social Responsibility consultation, published on 31st October, looked at issues around advertising and outlined a package of measures to further strengthen protections, including a major responsible gambling advertising campaign, funded by broadcasters and industry. In addition, the Committees of Advertising Practice intend to publish new guidance to protect those at risk of problem gambling as well as children and young people, and the Gambling Commission are consulting on increasing sanctions available where operators breach the codes.

The consultation closed on 23 January and the Department will consider all responses and publish its response and next steps in due course.