The UK Conservative Party said in a press release that despite Tessa Jowell\’s promises to crack down on online gambling advertising, the Government is still failing to protect the vulnerable.
“Many companies continue to operate in breach of the 1968 Gaming Act by using language in advertisements that encourages or invites people to play online games for money,” said the Conservative Party.
“There has not been a single prosecution since Tessa Jowell promised to crack down on online gambling companies. The Secretary of State has obviously turned a blind eye to such companies and in the meantime vulnerable people have been left to fall victim to the dangers which gambling presents. It is imperative that the Government takes action on the companies which it knows are falling foul of the legislation,” commented the Shadow Minister responsible for Gambling, Malcolm Moss.
Earlier in the week, the Gambling Commission and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport released a joint note setting out their view on the application of the Gaming Act 1968 in respect of advertisements for remote gaming.
The note is intended to provide guidance to advertisers, publishers and remote gaming operators on the types of advertisements that the Government and Commission will consider passing to the CPS on the basis that they are in breach of the 1968 Act.
In November 2005, Tessa Jowell, in a speech to the members of the British Casino Association, said that action would be taken against online gambling companies and publishers offering incentives to gamble in their ads.
“It\’s clear that some adverts have been breaking the existing law. I am not willing to turn a blind eye to this,” she said.
Some examples of advertisements that would fall foul of the prohibition on offering enticements to gamble include:
“Play poker everyday”
“Play on-line anytime”
“We will match your first deposit”
“Join today and get a bonus”
“Referral bonus for every friend you introduce to the party”
“Bonus on every deposit”
“£150 free for all new players”
“Over £500 free in monthly promotions for every player”
“Win and double your money”
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