Gambling: Tougher Brand-new Rules for 'Bet Now' Adverts

Gambling: Tougher new guidelines for 'wager now' adverts


14 February 2018


Gambling companies are to deal with harder brand-new marketing guidelines - including a restriction on telling consumers to "wager now", the marketing watchdog has said.


The new guidelines, which will restrict adverts throughout live events, aim to protect "susceptible" gamblers, the Committee of Advertising Practice said.


CAP, which composes marketing guidelines, stated the brand-new standards will likewise target uncertain offers for free bets.


It comes as betting firm ElectraWorks was fined ₤ 350,000 for misleading ads.


GVA, which owns ElectraWorks and brands including Foxy Bingo, stated the adverts have actually been withdrawn and all its offers have actually given that abided by the guidelines.


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Announcing the brand-new restrictions, external, CAP stated it will limit any adverts that motivate repeated play or irresponsibly recommend "run the risk of complimentary" deposits.


The updated rules, which will be utilized by the Advertising Standards Authority in its choices on grievances, will likewise ban adverts that play on consumers' financial issues or self-confidence.


The brand-new standards will enter into force on 2 April - except for the limitations on complimentary bets, which apply immediately.


Free bets


CAP said the majority of problems over gambling adverts relate to consumers being required to make deposits before they can access their totally free bets or withdraw their winnings.


It stated all totally free bet and perk offers need to now mention the conditions plainly. Any money-back offers must likewise be made in money and not bonus offers.