Competitions, Lotteries, Betting and Gaming
Unless specifically permitted under this Rule, the Government has prohibited advertisements for the following: betting and gaming including bookmakers, betting companies, tipsters and gaming machines.
Lotteries that comply with the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 may be advertised in Great Britain. The National Lottery may be advertised in the UK subject to compliance with the National Lottery Act 1993. Bingo may be advertised in the UK. Football pools may be advertised in the UK if they comply with the relevant provisions of the Betting and Gaming Duties Act 1981. Premises that are used wholly or mainly for the provision of amusements by means of machines (ie. arcades), where a permit is in force under section 34 of the Gaming Act 1968, may advertise. However, in all cases such advertisements must be centrally copy cleared and must not:
a) be directed at those aged below 16 years (18 for Bingo);
b) feature any personality aged below 16 years (18 for Bingo) nor any content directed at or likely to be of particular appeal to anyone aged below 16 years (18 for Bingo) nor feature or encourage reckless playing in the case of bingo;
c) make reference to gaming machines present on bingo premises;
d) be presented as a solution to financial difficulties.
Advertisements inviting listeners to take part in competitions are acceptable, subject to Part III of the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976.
Licensees must be satisfied that prospective entrants can obtain printed details of a competition, including announcement of results and distribution of prizes.
There are no limitations on prize values.
Please see also Section 2 Rule 11.8 and Section 3 Rules 4.28 and 11.5
Advertisements for the National Lottery are also governed by the National Lottery Advertising ad Sales Promotion Code of Practice 2004 approved by the Director General for the National Lottery.
The Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976 and Gaming Act 1968 do not apply outside Great Britain. Licensees should ensure that specialist legal advice is obtained when considering advertising any of the activities referred to in this Rule in Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands. For instance, the Betting and Gaming (Northern Ireland) Order 2004 lifted the ban on bingo advertising in Northern Ireland, making it legal across the UK.
Please note that this will be changed when the Gambling Act 2005 enters into force.
