New gambling advertising rules leave nothing to chance

31 August 2007

The new CAP and BCAP gambling advertising rules announced in March this year come into effect on 1 September, the same day that the Gambling Act 2005 comes into force. CAP and BCAP have introduced a rigorous and robust set of advertising codes in order to ensure that gambling advertising is socially responsible with a particular regard for the need to protect young people and vulnerable members of society.
 
All gambling advertisers must comply with the rules. Advertisers are encouraged to take advantage of the new advice online entry on the CAP website and to contact the Copy Advice team for free, independent, expert and confidential advice when planning non-broadcast ad campaigns.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) will administer the advertising codes in the first instance but if serious or repeated breaches of the codes occur, the ASA may refer advertisers to the Gambling Commission and broadcasters to Ofcom to consider legal or regulatory sanctions.

For further information on the gambling rules, advice online and Copy Advice visit www.cap.org.uk/gambling