Great Britain restricts Internet gambling advertisement

UK banned offshore online gambling websites not registered in the European Economic Area from advertising in the media.

Great Britain restricts Internet gambling advertisement Another slap to online gambling companies located offshore, as the UK is banning companies not located in the European Economic Area from advertising across all media in the Kingdom. This move would exclude offshore Internet gambling sites in Costa Rica, the Netherlands Antilles, and Antigua and Barbuda. The UK Department of Culture Media will punish offenders.

The ban also includes websites, among with TV, radio, newspapers, etc. Those countries who would like to be exempt from the ban would have to apply to be placed on a so called "white list" by meeting vigorous standards for fairness, protection of minors, and money loudening prevention. So far only the Isle of Man and Alderney have been placed on the "white list". A few other countries have applied for exemption and are pending review.

This new obstacle for the online gambling business comes after the government ruled that despite the firms having been granted licenses to run Internet poker and casino Web sites, the offshore countries they were based in did not have stringent enough regulations.

Meanwhile, offshore heavens located within the EEA would not be affected, for example Gibraltar, where 888 Holdings is located.

The ban will take effect in September of 2007.

Published on 08/09/2007