Gambling Ads Ban To Be Scrapped

A ban on TV and radio adverts for Casinos, betting shops and online gambling sites is to be scrapped.

The new rules will come into operation in September as part of the Gambling Act 2005.

Adverts will be banned during shows aimed at under 18s - and anyone who appears to be under 25 cannot be shown gambling on TV or on radio.

Minister for Sport Richard Caborn said the Government would monitor the changes and step in if problems arose.

Advertisers must stick to a code of practice. They must not, for example, depict gambling as a solution to debt.

Mr Caborn said the restrictions were needed to protect children and other vulnerable groups.

Adverts must not show gamblers behaving in a way which is irresponsible or could lead to "financial, social or emotional harm".

And as with alcohol, anyone promoting gambling must not link it to sexual success or enhanced self-image.

Mr Caborn welcomed the new codes, saying: "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."

He insisted that the government would monitor the reforms carefully and would step in if problems arose.

"If they are insufficient to ensure proper public protection, the government will consider using its additional powers to impose further restrictions," Mr Caborn said.

The rules were drawn up by the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP).

They will be policed by the Advertising Standards Authority and any breach could be referred to the Gambling Commission or the regulator Ofcom who could impose sanctions.

Nicola Crewe-Reade, from addiction counselling service GamCare, also backed the changes.

"We hope 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," she said.

Until now, the UK National Lottery has been exempt from restrictions applied to other forms of gambling.