Industry cautiously optimistic of escaping major advertising restrictions
Triennial review could have fewer restriction on daytime gambling adverts than originally feared, EGR understands
The UK online gambling industry is growing increasingly confident it can stave off major advertising restrictions from the ongoing triennial review.
The findings of the review ae expected to be announced in late October, and while the majority of the coverage has focused on FOBT restrictions, advertising restrictions are also being considered.
The DCMS was reported as considering bans on all gambling ads during the day time, including bookmakers and bingo operators which currently enjoy certain exemptions.
However EGR understands the industry is growing increasingly confident it can escape space major sanctions.
Stifel analyst Jeffrey Harwood said in a note last week there were suggestions that “lobbying from the TV companies and advertising agencies has seen off this threat [to gambling ads].”
A source familiar with the situation also told EGR the industry, along with the Advertising Association and commercial broadcasters, had submitted some mitigating proposals to DCMS that the department is considering.
The full details of the proposals could not be revealed ahead of the official triennial review announcement.
However the source also called for caution, adding: “Anyone who is confident of seeing off the threat at this stage is probably jumping the gun, especially given very recent debates in the Lords and media stories.”
The Local Government Association (LGA) last week called for greater restrictions on betting advertising, arguing that children were too exposed to the messaging.
The incoming head of the ASA has also questioned the spread of gambling adverts and their impact on problem gamblers.