ASA find seventy gambling adverts breaching advertising rules

The Advertising Standards Authority have undertaken a three-month review of adverts, using specific technology to see whether age-restricted adverts are being breached. Over the three-month period, 159 adverts in total were found to have breached advertising rules and out of those, 70 were gambling related.

Gambling related adverts

The three month review of adverts took place in order to uncover any breaches when it came to under 18s being able to view age-restricted adverts. Special technology was used to monitor where age-restricted adverts were being shown and out of the 159 adverts in breach of the rule, 70 of those were gambling industry related. It was also found that 35 of those had been placed on various online platforms including five YouTube channels which were predominantly aimed at children or had a large audience of children.

Betting and Gaming Council review rules

As a result of this, the Betting and Gaming Council have announced they are to review the rules and standards when it comes to gambling operators and socially responsible advertising. Part of this reform will include any online adverts that appear on search engines will have clear ‘no under 18s’ logos along with safer gambling information. YouTube adverts will also be review with only YouTube accounts that have been age-verified, being able to see any gambling adverts.

Michael Dugher, the BGC Chief Executive said:

“We have made excellent progress in recent times and the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising is updated as technology evolves. The latest edition is further evidence of our determination to continue to ensure that standards are rising and are as high as they can possibly be.

“BGC members have a zero tolerance attitude to under-18s betting, and from requirements for safer gambling messages to restrictions on YouTube advertising, this new code shows how seriously the BGC, who represent regulated betting but not the National Lottery, take our responsibilities. At the same time, we urge the government to work with us to crack down on black market operators who have no interest in safer gambling or protecting their customers and do not work to the same responsible standards as BGC members.”