UK drops advertising ban

Officials in the UK unveiled new rules that permit online gambling companies, sports books and casinos to advertise on television and radio, the Guardian reports. The regulations contain restrictions designed to ensure that adverts remain socially responsible.

Advertisements may not suggest or imply that "gambling can be a solution to financial problems." They also cannot "portray, condone or encourage" behavior likely to lead to "financial, emotional or social harm." Advertisers also must take care not to link "gambling to seduction, sexual success or enhanced attractiveness."

Strict ground rules also cover the times at which spots may run. Adverts may not run during programs likely to be watched by children or "designed to appeal to children."

The changes go into effect in September 2007. The Committee on Advertising Practice has published guidance for the industry on the new rules, including information on the screening process and tips on advert design.

UK schools crack down on online gambling

At least two elite public schools in the United Kingdom have decided to start offering courses on the dangers of irresponsible gambling. The Daily Telegraph reports that Harrow and Kings College have both brought in experts to lecture on the risks involved with Internet gambling after uncovering problems on their campuses.

"There are all sorts of problems with pupils on the internet and gambling is just one of them," notes Harrow headmaster Barnaby Lenon These sites are very, very addictive. At boarding schools it is slightly easier to manage because we can monitor its use. It is harder when pupils are using the internet at home and parents are not really aware of what their children are doing."

"With new technology, children have even more access to ways of gambling," notes Professor Mark Griffiths of the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University "It is clear that adolescent gambling on the internet and other remote media is likely to become an issue of increasing concern over the next few years."

Three-headed man shows evils of VLTs

Some state lotteries' responsible gambling campaigns fall short by placing the burden on the players through messages like ‘keep it fun' or ‘play responsibly.' A new campaign by the Oregon Lottery takes the extra step of educating the public that the games themselves influence a player's behavior, KTVZ reports.

"This is a major step for a state lottery to take," said Jeff Marotta, problem gambling services manager in the Oregon Department of Human Services.

The "three-headed man" ad shows a man deeply absorbed in playing a video game when a second head appears and encourages him to stick with his budget and time constraints. Then a third head appears arguing that he has plenty of time and is about to win.

The Myth Buster section of the Oregon Lottery's website, inspired by responsible gaming pioneer Atlantic Lottery Corporation, is also a shining example of a creative awaress campaign by a state lottery.

Player protection measures take super-casino to Manchester

In a surprise decision, the UK Casino Advisory Panel awarded the much coveted super-casino license to Manchester, the BBC reports. Most experts had been predicting that the bid would go to either Blackpool or Harry Anschutz's Millennium Dome. Oddsmakers had ranked Manchester as the least likely of the seven finalists to win the super-casino. One of the key factors in the decision was Manchester's emphasis on responsible gaming principles in its proposal - further evidence of the CSR message resonating with regulators as they fend off a backlash to unbridled gaming expansion. In its original plan, the UK intended to grant licenses for dozens of super-casinos across the country, before scaling back its ambitions to just eight, and now to just this single "pilot" scheme.

Gambling helpline funding slashed

The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling had its budget cut in recent cost-saving measures, the Boston Globe reports. The State Treasurer says there's no rationale behind the decision and it should be reversed. Globe columnist Adrian Walker complains the State has broken the compact with its stakeholders, sending a bad message at the worst possible time, just before the stressful holiday season that can bring gambling problems to a head.

As the state lotteries of the world raise the bar, adopting a stringent set of responsible gaming principles and performance indicators, you have to wonder why lottery officials weren't consulted before the cuts were announced. Or indeed why Adrian Walker didn't ask them to explain the apparent "contradiction of a state that publicly frowns on gambling running an enormous gambling business".