Gambling websites face UK advertising ban

Popular gambling sites such as William Hill and Interpoker are to be banned from advertising in the UK, under new regulations.

From September this year, new amendments to the Gambling Act 2005, will mean only gambling companies based within the European Economic Area (EEA) will be able to advertise in the UK.

The new regulations have been set out by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to stop unregulated gambling sites trying to attract UK punters.

Sites in the UK, Europe and other "white list" areas such as the Isle of Man and Alderney will still be allowed to advertise on TV, radio and in print media, subject to UK advertising rules.

However, countries such as the Caribbean islands, the Netherlands Antilles, Costa Rica and Belize, which currently host popular gambling websites such as Littlewoodscasino, Interpoke, Betfred Casino and Poker, are currently banned. This is beacuse they are not seen to have the suitably stringent regulatory regimes in place to make it onto the 'white list', which requires countries to sufficiently demonstrate a rigorous licensing regime designed to stop children gambling, protect vulnerable people, keep games fair and keep out crime.

To date Alderney and the Isle of Man are the only jurisdictions to have qualified for the list.

Culture Secretary James Purnell said: “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.

"I make no apology for banning adverts for websites operating from places that don't meet our strict standards. Protection is my number-one priority."

The legislation brings with it a relaxation of the current rules surrounding adverts for all types of gambling firms - such as casinos and betting shops.

The DCMS also warned that publishers, broadcasters and advertising companies found in breach of the new restrictions on overseas gambling sites could face fines or even imprisonment.