Gambling Ads on TV and Radio Will Start Airing in the UK

In September of this year (2007) the UK will see the implementation of the Gambling Act that was passed in 2005. The law allows gambling operations to operate online and it also lifts a lifelong ban on TV and radio advertisements for gambling in general.

The restrictions and regulations for those advertisements were released today and were drawn up by the Committee of Advertising Practices and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice. The restrictions on the gambling style advertisements are similar to restrictions put on alcohol advertisements.

Richard Cabon, the Minister for Sport, said that the restrictions are strict and fair.

"They set out clearly what is and isn't acceptable advertising practice for all gambling operators, while making sure that the protection of children and vulnerable people is a central consideration of all advertising campaigns."

The advertisements will be monitored closely at all times and rules include not being allowed to air during shows aimed at viewers under eighteen

The ads will also not allowed to depict gambling as a solution to a person's debt. Also, any advertisement for gambling must not relate the act to attaining a better self-image. Many more rules were established and they will be monitored by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

Any violation of the new regulations will cause the ASA to report the violator to the Gambling Commission or the regulator Ofcom who could impose sanctions.

An addiction counselor for GamCare, Nicola Crewe Reade, told the BBC News that she hoped "the outcome of these new standards will be to encourage people to see gambling as fun and entertaining rather than as a way of making your fortune."

March 13, 2007
Posted By Susan Torres
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