GAMBLING adverts should be banned from Bradford Council advertising hoardings and venues, as well as City of Culture events – a committee has argued.

The call came during a discussion on the impact of gambling in the Bradford District.

During the debate Bradford Council was criticised for allowing the filming of a Paddy Power advert in Saltaire last year.

The Council’s Corporate Scrutiny Committee receive an update on gambling in the District each year.

The most recent report was presented to the committee on Thursday evening, and said there were an estimated 16,283 adults at risk of or experiencing gambling related harm in the Bradford District.

It said a recent survey of 2,000 Bradford young people in years 8, 9 and 10 found that 20 per cent say they have used a slot machine.

Members said the huge amount of advertising relating to online betting companies was a major issue.

Councillor Brendan Stubbs (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said gambling adverts were much more common now compared to when he was young.

He said: “Young people are exposed to adverts, and it really shapes their attitudes to gambling.

“Adolescents see it as fairly harmless, especially with celebrities endorsing it. They can’t wait until they are 18 to get on the apps – then as soon as they do, they are directed to the online casinos. That’s where the harm is.

“If we could do something about advertising spaces that would be a start.”

Councillor Martin Love (Green, Shipley) pointed out that the Council had allowed streets in Saltaire to be shut for the filming of a Paddy Power advert last year.

Cllr Love said: “The first we (Shipley Councillors) knew about it was being told of road closures.

“When I raised concerns with the Council leadership I got a fairly mealy mouthed response. I was told highways officers wouldn’t get involved in judging the contents of adverts being filmed in the District.

“The rest of the reply went on about how wonderful it is that Bradford is a City of Film.

“It was an advert for a bookies, not a BAFTA nominated film.”

The committee were told that earlier this month Sheffield Council approved a ban on adverts for “harmful” products and services, such as gambling and junk food, on advertising hoardings and websites operated by the Council.

One of the suggestions of the committee is that Bradford Council adopt a similar policy and “look to become a gambling advert free zone, and for Bradford 2025 events to not advertise gambling related activity.”