Television Advertising, Bingo and the Gambling Act of 2005

by Hollie Sanders

Gerry Sutcliff, for those who do not know; the Sports Minister, has commented that the new Gambling Act of 2005, now supports advertisements promoting bingo and other gambling, and will allow gaming adverts to appear on television.

His rationale for the new law and its more lenient outlook on advertising is that previous legislation was outdated, in some instances going back as far as 1845, and new legislation was necessary for keeping up with advances in technology.

Although the Government does note that advertising, far be it from encouraging gambling, now makes a point of, during the advertisement, prominently displaying rhetoric on responsible betting and how to obtain help for addiction. So, when the advert appears on your television, be prepared for the paradox of receiving a message of encouragement for you to support your local bingo club, whilst at the same time, being warned of the dangers lurking therein. Sort of like warning messages on the pack of cigarettes you just purchased.

Apparently the new Gambling Act has been equipped with “unprecedented powers” so that bingo and any other gambling can be conducted “fairly”, I don’t know, was it unfair previously? Also, because of the fact that TV’s, home PC’s, and cellphone technology now allow people to play bingo in privacy, the new Act will protect children and vulnerable people. How so? And what exactly is the criteria you have to meet to have yourself classified as a “vulnerable person?” I think that there are some very strange goings on with this Act!