Betting firms who target youngsters in adverts will face unlimited fines

Joined
May 8, 2018
Location
south east england
Just browsing the daily fail online site and came across this article:

You do not have permission to view link Log in or register now.


What I don't understand is there are loads of games with graphics that could appeal to youngsters

"In June, the Advertising Standards Authority banned adverts for three games on Coral’s website for breaching rules.

It said the animated figures, bright colours and motifs from children’s fiction meant the promotions for Rainbow Riches – which included a leprechaun – Fishin’ Frenzy and Lucky Wizard ‘were likely to be of particular appeal to under-18s’.

In the same month, adverts for the games Faeries’ Fortune and Santa Paws, featuring a polar bear in a Santa hat, on gambling websites fun88.co.uk and letou.co.uk were found to appeal to children."

We were all kids once as well, so the graphics of rainbow riches to my mind haven't been designed to hook children but just present a theme of an irish leprechaun, I suppose they could have used something more 18+ like the leprechaun from the horror film series. :rolleyes:
 
It's a bit too subjective to me. A character can appeal to both adult and pre-18 because there is no set boundary of when our tastes change. A lot of kids watch the Walking Dead - so would Zombie based slots be affected as well? Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are +16, so would drug cartel slots be targeted?

It's just more nonsense from the nanny state.
 
Looks like the UKGC are just pushing for land based casino's only, with one armed bandits showing skulls and anything unattractive, a maximum bet of 2p and jackpot of £10.
 
A game doesn't have to be particularly infantile in its appearance, I'd have thought whatever appeals to them thematically. I guess the biggest dangers were the comic book titles and the like.

Also to start outlawing certain games from youngsters will just make them more curious to play them. Gambling ads are on all the time, then why not just ban those......

Not to mention kids today could probably Remote Access my PC using a matchbox. Next the UKGC will be banning bright colours in slots :eek2:

Worst offenders are Netent still though, with their games aimed at 14 year olds. They're not helping :(
 
So in future all slots will feature Chucky or porn or general elections. Maybe sneak a university challenge-type one in there too.

I'm sure Netent could make one with the reels based on an infant's 'shape block' where the plastic star, square etc. fit into the corresponding holes on the grid.
 
There was another bit in the article:

'Under the new rules, operators will also face action for sending spam emails or texts, and will have an eight-week deadline to resolve customer complaints.

The watchdog said the changes would make it quicker and easier to take action over breaches such as misleading promotions and bonus offers, as well as unreasonable restrictions on withdrawals of winnings.'

and neil mcarthur, chief executive at ukgc said:

"These changes will protect consumers from irresponsible advertising and misleading promotions, ensure that consumers can withdraw their money more easily and will mean that consumer complaints are dealt with more swiftly."

I would hardly call 2 months swift, and I suppose that time doesn't include the ADR looking at the complaint if you're unsatisfied with the casino's decision.
 
"Around 450,000 children are gambling every week in England and Wales, research by the Gambling Commission found."

Wtf is going on in the UK? How were they able to ascertain that?
 
"Around 450,000 children are gambling every week in England and Wales, research by the Gambling Commission found."

Wtf is going on in the UK? How were they able to ascertain that?

It is crazy.

But by children i am guessing they are classing anyone under 18 as a child.

This is the country that is so protective of under 18s yet a 16 year old can walk into any shop and spend £200 on lottery and scratchcards. And scratchcards are as addictive as gambling online. Crazy.
 
Probably not online, but those stupid 10p AWP's in arcades by the seaside and 2p pushers etc. which for some bizarre reason is allowed here despite the evidential stories of these getting kids hooked to gambling from their formative years....:rolleyes:
 
"Around 450,000 children are gambling every week in England and Wales, research by the Gambling Commission found."

Wtf is going on in the UK? How were they able to ascertain that?


It's got be some sort of estimate based on the seaside arcades and maybe 17 year olds going on the fobt's. I would be really surprised if those figures related to online gambling.

Edit: Dunover beat me to it, sorry for my repeat :oops:
 
Slots have come a long way since the early days, 3-liners and bleeps have been replaced with videogame- style creations that have pretty high production values now.

'Kids' aren't too likely to see the appeal of Thunderstruck 1 but may find the South Parks and Dark Knights more approachable. Even if they're now both defunct :D
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Meister Ratings

Back
Top