Casino News

Casino advertising restricted to after watershed

2007-08-08 14:37:57

Casinos will not be able to promote gambling products on television before the 21:00 watershed, it has been announced.

The move is something of a u-turn for the government, which until now was planning to allow casinos to advertise on television for the first time from September.

James Purnell, the new culture secretary, had threatened the gambling industry with legislation if it did not introduce voluntary measures.

However, sports betting advertising will be allowed before the watershed if it associated with televised sporting events.

Mr Purnell and various gambling bodies also agreed that casino advertisements shown after the watershed must not portray or condone behaviour that is socially or financially irresponsible.

The new code has been backed by organisations including the British Casino Association and the Association of British Bookmakers.