Gambling: Advertisements

Alistair Burt
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what plans she has to regulate claims made in advertisements by betting tipsters guaranteeing betting success.

Mr. Caborn
Section 327(1)(a) of the Gambling Act 2005 provides that a person advertises gambling if “he does anything to encourage one or more persons to  take advantage (whether directly or through an agent) of facilities for gambling”. While tipsters are not directly involved in gambling, there may be circumstances under which advertisements by tipsters could fall within the Act's definition of advertising, and therefore within the scope of any regulations made by the Secretary of State controlling the advertising of gambling.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State intends to keep her regulation making powers with regard to advertising in reserve for the time being, in favour of self-regulation by the advertising industry. The Advertising Standards Authority, in consultation with the Gambling Commission, is in the process of drawing up new advertising codes of practice, on which it will consult shortly. Advertising by tipsters will be subject to these codes, including general rules on misleading advertising.