ASA Chairman questions control over gambling ads

Soon-to-be ASA Chairman Lord David Currie has questioned controls over advertising in the gambling industry.

UK.- Ladbrokes, 888, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Casumo have recently been sanctioned for targetting vulnerable people with fake stories published by an affiliate. Amid this context, soon-to-be UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman Lord David Currie has questioned the “liberalisation” of the gambling market and blamed the potential inability to control and monitor the industry properly on the Gambling Act 2005.

As quoted by casinonewsdaily.com, Lord Currie said the industry isn’t regulated like it should be and explained the ASA can’t keep it from breaking the rules. Gambling legislation in the UK establishes limitations over the industry but advertising on UK television has been increasing non-stop for years as millions of pounds have been used to get exposure.

Lord Currie also stated that there’s a need to clarify the boundries on the term “gambling ad” in order to avoid companies from bending the rules. He also added that all competent regulators need to make sure that they are adept to the changing and challenging advertising environment.

October will see the UK Government finishing the triennial review of the gambling industry and is expected to introduce advertising and the potential implementation of stricter rules in the document.