As of yet unmet is Khan's 2021 promise to eliminate gambling advertisements from the London Underground system. Citing concerns about gambling addiction, Khan said at the time he would direct Transport for London (TfL) to forbid advertising for casinos and betting websites.
Four years later, the prohibition has not been implemented; Khan has said he is waiting for the government to create a national framework to handle the problem before enacting any revisions.
Khan said in response to a London Assembly query that before implementing any local policy modification, he wanted more knowledge on the intentions of the government. Green Assembly member Caroline Russell has responded to this by pointing out the continuous presence of gambling commercials.
The Health Committee of the London Assembly published findings in March of last year showing over double the national average rate of problem gambling in the city. Since there is no national definition of damaging gambling advertising and Khan's team has underlined waiting for government leadership on the matter, a ban might face legal challenges.
Good to know: Before taking regional action, the Mayor's office has acknowledged that Khan is waiting for a national framework and research on harmful gambling advertising.
A spokesman for the Betting and Gaming Council said: "While supporting 28,000 employment in the capital, the regulated Betting and Gaming sector produces £2.2bn ($2.84bn) for the London economy. Safer gaming messaging is routinely and conspicuously shown; betting advertising and sponsorship must follow rigorous rules.
