Sadiq Khan had pledged in his 2021 mayoral manifesto to ban gambling adverts from London's transport network, yet in 2025 betting and casino ads continue to appear across Tube stations and other TfL services.
City Hall cites the absence of national guidance linking gambling advertising to harm as a reason for not implementing a ban, noting that unilateral action could face legal challenges. Previous interventions on junk food advertising relied on national evidence and definitions, which are less established in relation to gambling.
Freedom of information requests show that since the 2021 mayoral election, gambling companies have spent close to £5m promoting their services across Transport for London (TfL) assets. Over 500 campaigns have appeared on the Underground, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line, trams and Victoria Coach Station during this period.
The number of gambling adverts has increased. In 2025, 223 campaigns have run, more than double the number recorded last year. Some campaigns, including a high-profile online casino promotion, were withdrawn following public criticism.
The Gambling Commission estimates that over one million people in the UK experience problem gambling and In the latest Wave 2 2025 survey, 47% of UK adults reported gambling in the past four weeks.
In the wider landscape, Cebu and Pasig cities in the Philippines have banned gambling advertising across public and digital platforms to protect minors and reduce addiction risks, while New Zealand has ordered LeoVegas to stop local advertising targeting residents.
No government review is currently examining gambling advertising's impact and seven London boroughs have urged the mayor to act independently
