The Church of Scotland has called for a gambling adverts ban, as well as a ban for pay-day loan companies marketing. The “normalization” of gambling has had a “damaging effect on the lives of thousands” across the country, a report from the Church’s society council said.

It has been published ahead of the Commonwealth Games and calls for a lasting legacy from the sporting events, particularly for deprived areas. Glasgow 2014 has no such sponsors but Scottish Premiership side Hearts are sponsored by Wonga, while Rangers recently announced a new shirt sponsorship with online casino 32Red. Both would be in jeopardy from a gambling adverts ban.

Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton, convener of the church and society council, said: “In producing this report ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, we commend the Commonwealth Games Organizing Committee for valuing equality and encourage it in fulfilling its aim for equality for all, and also urge that a lasting legacy from the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games is seen, particularly in deprived areas.

“We also urge the UK and Scottish Governments and sporting bodies to implement measures designed to reduce hazardous and harmful gambling and to impose a ban on advertising casino, sports betting and gambling”, she said. Adding that the normalization of gambling has been proven to have a damaging effect on the lives of thousands across Scotland. Some may see our stance for a gambling adverts ban as radical but we believe it is necessary to improve the quality of life for people living in this country.”