Poll results: No need for advertising code amendments
Majority of readers consider the current advertising code to be just about right after new CAP guidelines issued
There is no need for further amendments to UK gambling advertising guidelines as the current code is adequate, according to the majority of respondents to this week’s eGaming Review poll.
The UK’s Committee of Advertising Practices (CAP) updated its code on gambling marketing earlier this week having collaborated with the UK Gambling Commission following a spate of complaints regarding misleading free bet adverts.
Adverts perceived to be at risk of targeting children “ specifically those using cartoon characters “ have also been the subject of further criticism, with the CAP revealing last year that 91% of complaints made to the UK Advertising Standards Authority regarding gambling adverts have been upheld over the past four years.
Despite the new guidelines however 70% of correspondents in this week’s poll believe that no further amendments to the advertising code are required and that the guidelines are not too restrictive at all.
Only 12% concluded the standards are not restrictive enough and should be toughened further in order to protect both children and vulnerable people, such as problem gamblers.
The remaining 18% of correspondents believe the current guidelines impose too much of a restriction on the industry and the code should be softened.