Future adverts by casinos, betting shops and internet poker sites may have to carry warnings about the dangers of gambling due to new Government rules. Starting from September 2007 gaming industry will freely advertise itself in all media preferences. In order to make gambling more appealing, we must not forget the obscured threats of this business. Department for Culture, Media and Sport together with the Gambling Commission have recently proposed new rules for the industry to promote socially responsible gambling.
Society fears that new gambling laws will contribute to compulsive gambling phenomenon. That is why new rules prohibit irresponsible advertisement, such as presenting gambling as a solution to pay off debt or showing gambling as sexy and cool. The Gambling Commission insists on targeted advertising of people who are over 25. The Commission is also concerned about certain promotions that encourage people to gamble a minimum amount within a short period. It has invited the industry to respond to its proposals by 2 June.
The Government started the biggest shake-up of the gambling laws since the 1960s because of gambling gigantic increase in 2001. For illustration, Wayne Rooney, the Manchester United and England striker, reportedly ran up a £700.000 gambling debt in the five months to February by betting on horses, dogs and football. In the face of protests, the Government has restricted building plans for eight super-casinos and will allow only one for the time being.