Casino News

RGA: The ASA may be being too cautious with gambling adverts

2009-01-13 12:13:51

The Remote Gambling Association (RGA) has suggested that the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) may be being too careful when it comes to gambling marketing campaigns.

Brian Wright, the RGA's business director, suggested that some of the ASA's decisions with respect to gambling adverts have appeared "particularly hard"; although the fact that the gaming sector has only been allowed to market on television for 16 months could be the chief cause.

"The ASA are putting their feet in the water and deciding within themselves how to deal with these [adverts]. Perhaps they're being overly cautious," he remarked.

According to an ASA survey carried out during the first month of gaming advertising being introduced - September to October 2007 - 99 per cent of the 784 advertisements were in line with the organisation's codes.

Committee of Advertising Practice guidelines state that gambling adverts should be responsible and protect children, youngsters and other vulnerable people from being exploited.