New gambling advertising standards

Written by David Fletcher 14 Feb 2019
New gambling advertising standards

In November 2018 we prayed for the Government to take the dangers of child problem gamblers seriously and make changes. New rules will come into force from 1 April. However Bishop Alan Smith, who has brought up the gambling issue in the House of Lords, said, ‘They haven't changed any actual rules, these are simply new guidelines. So far the gambling industry has shown itself either to be unwilling or incapable of self-regulation. We need to ensure that there are proper sanctions for the existing rules. When you look at other industry regulators - such as Ofcom - they not only have very great powers but they are able to fine people who transgress.’ The Christian lobby group CARE recently helped to fight for a reduced maximum stake at fixed-odd betting terminals, something the Government decided to adopt last year.

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