No Gambling Ads in UK

According to a recent announcement by James Purnell, there will be no advertising for betting shops or internet gambling websites. Tony Blair had planned on allowing the advertising on billboards, television, radio, etc., but it looks as though the ban will continue to be in place as Gordon Brown is not following in his predecessor’s liberal footsteps.

The prime minister has also said that he is reconsidering the idea of supercasinos, the first one of which is actually supposed to be in Manchester. Church leaders had been complaining of the idea that the ban would be lifted, as they did not want to see advertising for slot machines and the like – they felt it was simply a red flag to those that had a problem with gambling.

Purnell said that he was taking the concerns and complaints very seriously, and would decide on the slot machine advertising ban after reviewing the evidence. He said that he would also be looking into all of the gambling legislation that has been discussed recently as he does have the power to overwrite all of it.

Purnell said he would be looking at the supercasinos as he felt that there are concerns there that needed to be addressed. He felt that they needed to have “an effective regulatory structure” and that he wanted to make sure it was in place. Also, with the Lords voting down the supercasino in March, it may be that much easier for Brown to walk away from it.



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