Britain’s Got Talent judge under fire for promoting betting site

DAVID Walliams is facing fierce criticism for taking part in an advertisement for the Britain’s Got Talent gambling website.

The Millionaire Television judge, who also writes children’s stories, has taken the opportunity to be the new celebrity of its radio advertisement in which he encourages people to sign up and play the slots.

However the ad is generating fierce criticism from his fans and gambling addiction specialists who say his high profile may play a role in young people joining up at the UK licensed gambling website.

“Not impressed that you are promoting online betting when you have such a big reputation with children & families #wagering consciousness# morals #mental- wellness #poverty,” one fan put on social media.

Another fan said they were “shocked” David was associated with BGTGames.com, saying: “I Assumed you were far better than that”.

Little Britain star Walliams, who is said to be worth £25 million, has so far ignored fans’ anger on Twitter where he is generally a regular fixture.

Betting addiction specialist Liz Karter said Walliams lending his brand to a gambling firm was an unhealthy sign for kids, who could take it as a sign that betting and casino wagering was cool.

“Given that David is a writer of children’s stories, this may give the feeling of betting being a harmless activity – which actually it can be, however it can equally result in addiction,” she said.

“Unfortunately, online websites provide means to use it wrongly. It’s extremely difficult for them to become really convinced that people are of the exact age they claim they are while betting.

“Advertisements get to individuals who are weak and might get addicted.”

The team at GambleAware, a charity in the UK set up to help problem gamblers, equally cautioned that Walliams’ new project may be destructive for his teenage supporters.

“We are worried about the fact that gambling is being made to look like a pastime for the children, particularly with the endorsement of betting by a favorite family entertainment show,” CEO of GambleAware Marc Etches said.

“In a society where smartphones provide quick access to internet wagering, we all have a duty to safeguard our children from betting-related dangers and this equally involves individuals that benefit from programs like BGT.”

A 2016 survey by the United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission discovered that 450,000 kids in Wales and England were gambling every week – out of this figure, 9,000 could develop addiction problems.

Well-know showbiz promoter Barry Tomes said endorsing the gambling website was a senseless decision.

“This is one subject he ought to have ignored, particularly considering tha he is famous for writing children’s stories. I would have suggested to him not to get involved in something this controversial,” he said.

Anybody battling with betting addiction in the UK can get assistance and guidance from the National betting Helpline on 08088020133 or at BeGambleAware.org.