Advertising restrictions on casinos, betting shops and other gambling operators publicising their services on television have been lifted by the Government. From September, in accordance with the Gambling Act 2005, restrictions on adverts for gambling on television and in the print media will be removed.
The Government also announced that Manchester is the chosen location for the first super-casino, with a further 16 medium and large casinos scattered around the country. The decision was based upon potential for urban renewal from investment and tourism opportunities and future job growth. But some have wondered whether renewal can be based upon such wealth-sapping activities.
The decision to allow operators to advertise on television for the first time also raised fresh concerns of an increase in problem gambling. As more people are exposed to these adverts and find casinos more readily available, there is justifiable fear that there will be an increase in problem gambling.
