Gambling Commission - Under 18s Advertising

Stark reminder to online gambling operators

A joint letter from the Gambling Commission, ASA, CAP and the Remote Gambling Association has been issued to online gambling operators warning them that it is unacceptable to publish freely accessible ads, which may have particular appeal to under 18s. The warning applies to play-for-free and play-for-pay ads in all media, including on the operator's own websites and third party space and particular concerns relate to imagery used in these types of ads are likely to appeal to under 18s. For example, use of "colours, cartoon images, animals and youth orientated references and names of games such as "Pirate Princess" and "Fluffy Favourites". Rules and guidance on advertising gambling make it clear that such marketing communications must be socially responsible and must not be likely to appeal to, harm or exploit children, young people or other vulnerable persons.