Regulation round-up 10 October 2017
The biggest regulatory news from the egaming industry in the last seven days (3 October to 10 October 2017)
Industry hopeful 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 are 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.
However EGR understands the industry is growing increasingly confident it can escape major sanctions.
IGRG targets social media and affiliates with new advertising code
The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) has published an update to the industry code for socially responsible advertising, including new rules around social media and affiliate marketing.
All UK-facing operators are expected to follow the code under the terms of their licensing agreement.
Chief among the new rules is a requirement that operators use age-screening tools on Twitter to stop under 18s seeing their content, with similar age restrictions applied on all YouTube videos.
The code also specifies for the first time that operators need to make sure their affiliates are in line with the code.
Gala Bingo caught out by rogue affiliate ad
Gala Bingo is the latest operator caught out by a socially irresponsible affiliate ad that led to sanctions for Ladbrokes, 888, Sky Vegas and Casumo last month.
The ad, which promoted Gala Bingo on 365dailynews, suggested that an individual’s depression and debt could be remedied by casino games.
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled the ad must not appear again in its current form as the CAP code states adverts must not suggest gambling as an escape from personal problems or a solution to financial concerns.
Gala Bingo said the ad was created by an affiliate and had been removed, and that its relationship with the affiliate had been terminated.
Danish Gambling Authority plots illegal affiliates clampdown
The Danish Gambling Authority (Spillemyndigheden) is planning to block a number of non-compliant affiliate websites in the coming months.
The clampdown follows an ongoing investigation on illegal gambling activity online by the Danish Tax authority’s anti-fraud department.
A report published by the authority last week revealed that the number of affiliates linked to unlicensed operators were on the rise.
The report said the authority would take action to block a number of non-compliant affiliates in Q4 2017.