Asking for Permission to Advertise

Not only will the online casinos be regulated but so will their marketing and advertising campaigns. The deadline for this decision to go into effect is later this year, on September 1, 2007, the date by which the industry is finally legalized in full.

The motivation for the decision to curb and supervise advertising is, according to Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell, to protect gamblers from oeprators that score low on regulation or are based in countries that adhere to other standards than the British laws. Such sites pose a threat of exploitation and even criminal involvement, as they do harm to the industry. Ms. Jowell and her supporters in the regulating effort want to protect the British gambling community from any invasion of negative elements and keep the industry as safe as possible.

In contrast to the categorical ban, which was passed in the United States, the British have chosen a different course. Since the 2005 Gambling Act was passed, various measures have been designed and laws passed that will lead down the line to a safer, saner online gambling world. Sites that wish to advertise in the UK will have to prove that they adhere to licensing regimes that protect minors, fight crime, and ensure fair gaming.