Betting shops and online gambling sites will be allowed to advertise on British television under the Gambling Act 2005 due to come into force in September 2007.
Under the new rules, gambling operators will be given greater scope to publicize their services as long as they do not target children or other vulnerable groups. Ads will be banned from portraying gambling as a way for people to get out of debt, increase their personal attractiveness or have greater success with the opposite sex.
Earlier last week, while speaking at the opening of the Gambling Commission\’s new Birmingham headquarters, Sports Minister Richard Caborn said the majority of adults who enjoyed gambling should be allowed to bet in a well-regulated environment.
“Seventy-four per cent of the nation has gambled. The vast majority of adults want to drink and gamble, and as long as you do not abuse it, it can be an enhancement of the quality of life,” said Caborn.