Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2007

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New U.K. law to change online gambling advertising

By Sarah Polson

When the 2005 Gambling Act comes into effect in the United Kingdom Sept. 1, online gambling companies will be seeing some more changes. Online poker and casinos based outside the European Economic Area and Gibraltar will have to apply to the U.K. government if they want to advertise in that country.

The change is a recommendation the government is taking under consideration to help protect online gamblers from crime and exploitation.

Online gambling operators based outside of the approved areas will have to prove their licensing regimes protect children, deter crime and ensure gambling is fair before they'll be approved for advertising.

Those three principles are already a part of the new law for online gambling operators to become licensed in the United Kingdom. Now it will also be applied for permission to advertise.

Tessa Jowell, the U.K. culture secretary, laid out the timetable and procedures regarding the recommended change for advertising Tuesday for the government's response.

She also recently asked for procedures to force online gambling companies to help fund counseling for addicts.

Related Articles:

U.K. Gambling Commission Releases Codes
eCOGRA Offers Regulatory Experience to U.K.

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