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Fears Grow Over Impact of New UK Gambling Act
Charitable organisations such as the Salvation Army have expressed fears that amendments to the UK Gambling Act 2005, which came into effect on Saturday (September 1), may result in a rise in problem gambling.
The new act permits land-based and online gambling companies in the EEA, and approved "white list" areas such as Alderney, to promote their services on UK TV, radio and other forms of media.
The Salvation Army argues that the increased presence of online gambling on our screens, in addition to an increase in number of betting shops facilitated by the act will fuel gambling addiction: "Whilst some people enjoy a flutter or bet from time to time, gambling can become addictive and cause many problems," the organisation said.
Gambling advisory group GamCare also called for the government to introduce guidelines that would mean all gambling firms place a helpline number on their advertisements to address problem gambling.
"An increase in gambling equates to an increase in whatever small proportion of individuals who gamble who get into difficulty," said spokeswoman Nicola Crewe-Read.
source: OnlineCasinoNews |
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