Government gets tougher on gambling advertising

2007-08-14 11:18:52

Around one thousand gambling websites could be banned from advertising in the UK, according to the government.

Gambling adverts from companies operating outside the European Economic Area look set to be banned from September 1st 2007, which is when the Gambling Act is enforced.

Countries that wish to be exempt from the ad ban have to pass a strict assessment of their regulatory standards. So far, only Alderney and the Isle of Man have been approved by the government.

Culture secretary James Purnell said: "I make no apology for banning adverts for websites operating from places that don’t meet our strict standards.

"The fact that only Alderney and the Isle of Man have been able to meet the high standards demanded by our white listing criteria shows how tough the Gambling Act is."

The ban will apply to all forms of gambling advertising, including print media, TV, radio public transport and some websites.

Last week, the gaming industry and the government agreed that gambling firms will not be able to promote gambling products on television before the 21:00 watershed.