UK igaming to discuss advertising concerns of the government

The igaming industry in the UK needs to address concerns regarding television advertising, according to the Remote Gambling Association.

There is a growing concern among politicians and the general public that the increasing proliferation of gambling advertising is having an adverse effect on the population.

According to the Remote Gambling Association, they have already held discussion with the government and regulators concerning the best method of monitoring igaming television adverts.

The comments from the Remote Gambling Association follow the recent media pressure to stop the increasing use of fixed odd betting terminals, as well as the increase of television adverts for betting firms during sporting events, most notably, the world cup.

Clive Hawkswood, chief executive of the RGA, told the gambling online newspaper, iGaming Business that “although we might query whether their objections are well-founded, there is little doubt that there is public and political concern about an apparent proliferation of gambling (advertising)”.

Responding to the recent media comparisons of gambling advertising to alcohol and tobacco, Mr Hawkswood said: “It’s clearly not a helpful or necessarily fair comparison, but irrespective of what we might feel, the truth is that many politicians and members of the public do think of gambling in that way. It would be dangerous for us not to accept that. The lesson we have to learn from this is that we must address not just the reality of the situation, but also the perceptions that exist.”

Mr Hawkswood added that the RGemote Gambling Association was already discussing possible improvements to the current set up with the British government, as “part of a wider review that also involves both the gambling and advertising regulators” and that it would “be wrong to oppose automatically any changes” just for the sake of it.

He said that the wider gambling industry “needs to keep finding ways to demonstrate proactively that it accepts it has a responsibility towards its customers and is fully committed to acting in a socially responsible manner.  If it fails to do that then it will always be an easy target”.

It is expected that the government will report back on its advertising review before the Christmas recess.