GMB under fire for poorly timed £300,000 competition ad before gambling discussion with Paul Merson
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Good Morning Britain has come under fire for advertising a £300,000 competition minutes before its segment on gambling addiction. During today's show presenters Susanna Reid and Ed Balls spoke to former Arsenal and Middlesbrough footballer Paul Merson who has lost more than £7million to gambling.
The 54-year-old previously talked about how he also struggled with alcohol and drug abuse during his career. The discussion this morning centred around whether clubs should stop having betting companies on shirts.
But. just minutes before Paul sat down in the ITV studio, the show's £300,000 competition was advertised. Viewers have criticised the poorly timed ad and took to social media to complain, with many asking the producers to reconsider hosting the competition or to potentially add warnings in the future.
Wayne Harriman wrote: "I find it ironic that you had Paul Merson talking about his gambling addiction directly after your competition presentation. I’m fairly confident that some viewers are addicted to this type of competition."
Chrissy P tweeted: "GMB are you kidding? Andi Peters chatting to a 100k winner after betting his £2 or maybe more entry. Then chatting to Paul Merson about his gambling addiction."
Alan Jones wrote: "Okay. Remove gambling sites off football shirts. Fair enough. What about GMB? Are you going to remove all gambling advertising during your programme?
"And what about Andi Peters and the daily chance to win x amount of pounds? Or doesn't that count as gambling?"
Harker Tim said: "GMB discussing gambling. TV Ads for bingo have Play Safe warnings, but GMB heavily promotes their cash prizes #inittowinit £2 an entry all morning, with no warnings.
"Enter and you get texts to play again. Please carry warnings on it."
And another viewer said: "GMB discussing whether gambling firms should be able to sponsor football clubs/team shirts. GMB themselves offer/promote a daily competition to win big money/cars which has an entry fee. Isn’t this (indirectly) a form of gambling?"
If you are struggling with a gambling addiction, you can find help and support here.
