Euro Poker News: Online Poker Advertising Restricted in U.K.UK Government Bans 1,000 Gambling Websites From Advertising |
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According to the government, only Alderney and the Isle of Man have so far been able to demonstrate they have in place a sufficiently rigorous licensing regime aimed at preventing children gambling, protecting vulnerable people, keeping games fair, and stopping crime. Countries in the European Economic Area (all European Union member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Gibraltar) did not have to apply to be white-listed.
Companies currently based in non-white list jurisdictions include Bodog, Betfred Poker, and Interpoker, while companies escaping the advertising ban include PokerStars (recently registered in the Isle of Man) and Party Poker (based in Gibraltar).
The government says research suggests there are around 2,300 gambling websites worldwide. Antigua is considered to have the largest number with around 537 sites followed by Costa Rica (474), Kahnawake (Canadian Reservation; 401), and the Netherlands Antilles (343).
Jurisdictions had to pass a stringent assessment of their regulatory standards to avoid the ban, which applies to all forms of gambling advertising from non-white list jurisdictions across TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, taxis, buses, transport, and some websites. Operators, publishers, broadcasters, and advertising companies could face fines or even imprisonment if found to be breaching the law.
The Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport, James Purnell said, "I make no apology for banning adverts for websites operating from places that don't meet our strict standards. Protection is my number one priority. The fact that only Alderney and the Isle of Man have been able to meet the high standards demanded by our white listing criteria shows how tough the Gambling Act is. Indeed, white listing has actually helped drive up regulatory standards in some countries.
"The Isle of Man, for example, has made significant improvements to its regulatory regime in order to secure a place on the white list. This includes requiring all licensees to make contributions to problem gambling research, education, and treatment in line with requirement on UK operators."
Applications from Alexander (Canadian Reservation), Netherlands Antilles, and Tasmania were rejected, while applications from Kahnawake and Antigua are still being considered. Costa Rica and Belize did not apply to be white-listed.
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