New Gambling Laws Announced

Author: Simon Dexter

New gambling laws were announced this week with TV and radio adverts being allowed for the first time from September. The rules are stringent and below is a look at them and a tongue-in-cheek view of what may happen without the guidelines.

(1) Advertisements must not portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that is socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm.

“Don’t pay that gas bill! Come to our gambling establishment and put the lot on the 4:50 at Kempton Park. You know it makes sense.

(2) Advertisements must not suggest that gambling can provide an escape from personal, professional or educational problems such as loneliness or depression.

Feeling down? No worries – have a bet with us and all your troubles may be over. Meet new friends as you spend your last £10 on a crazy Cheltenham forecast.

(3) Advertisements must not suggest that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns, an alternative to employment or a way to achieve financial security.

Fed up with the rat race? Find an easier way by gambling for a living. It’s the only way to achieve financial security. Contact us with your credit card at the ready for further details.

(4) Advertisements must not portray gambling as indispensable or as taking priority in life, for example over family, friends or professional or educational commitments.

Make gambling your way of life. Forget friends, family and relationships – come to us for a real buzz and a whole new way of life.

(5) Advertisements must neither suggest peer pressure to gamble nor disparage abstention.

If you don’t gamble, well, frankly you are a loser. Everyone else is doing it so why don’t you. Non-gambling is for nerds.

(6) Advertisements must not suggest that gambling can enhance personal qualities, for example that it can improve self-image or self-esteem, or is a way to gain control, superiority, recognition or admiration.

Want to win friends and influence people? Then come and have a bet with us. Be the most popular bloke at work with your gambling stories. Discover a new you.

(7) Advertisements must not link gambling to seduction, sexual success or enhanced attractiveness.

Make every woman love you. Gamblers get more women. Fact. Join today and not only will your sexual performance improve but you will feel and look better with every dollar you lose.

(8) Advertisements must not portray gambling in a context of toughness or link it to resilience or recklessness.

Only real men gamble. Prove yourself to be well hard by spending your wages down the local casino. Hey, there’s always next week and think how cool you will be telling the story about how you don’t care about the money.

(9) Advertisements must not suggest gambling is a rite of passage.

It’s time to grow up. Throw away those short pants and act like a man. Come to our gambling establishment and you leave a grown up. You’ll win loads of money but you’ll be shaving the next day.

(10) Advertisements must not suggest that solitary gambling is preferable to social gambling.

Stay away from the crowd. They only encourage you to spend less at the casino. Bet by yourself – you really will win money that way…honest.

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