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Facebook is offering a new tool that allows users to opt out of seeing gambling ads. The Betting and Gaming Council has welcomed this updated policy. This effort is part of a more extensive campaign to help curb gambling addiction in person and online.
Betting and Gaming Council Applauds Facebook’s Launch Of Betting Ad Opt-out Tool
Over the past year or so, the Betting and Gaming Council has been working closely with Facebook. The launch of this new tool gives users the choice of whether or not they wish to see ads related to gambling. With the opt-out feature, users can choose to stop seeing online gambling advertisements in order to control compulsive gambling habits.
Facebook’s betting ad opt-out feature is one of many new tools the BGC hopes to see in the future in order to encourage more responsible online gambling.
In addition to this new tool, they are also following the updated Industry Code For Socially Responsible Advertising. This new version of the code was released last year. Under the new regulation, BGC members must carefully target their ads to those over age 25. The only exception is if a website can definitively prove that the ads are precisely targeted to the over-18 demographic.
Facebook is following in the footsteps of Snapchat, which implemented similar features for gambling ads back in July.
Another effort to improve industry standards around responsible gambling is in television and radio ads. Per the updated standards, at least 20 percent of TV and radio ads are focused on safe, responsible gambling messages.
Responsible Gambling Messaging Raises the Industry Standard as a Whole
Betting and Gaming Council chief executive Michael Dugher noted that this move by Facebook is “yet more evidence of our commitment to raising standards in the regulated industry.”
He went on to say:
“I welcome this move by Facebook, and I would urge all social media and search platforms to provide the ability for users to opt out of viewing betting adverts. The regulated betting and gaming industry is determined to promote safer gambling, unlike the unsafe and growing online black market, which has none of the safeguards which are commonplace among BGC members.”
In regulated markets, the overwhelming majority of operators are reputable, licensed casinos in good standing. However, there are always a few shady operators and bad websites that can sour the gaming experience for everyone. While regulating bodies make every effort to help players distinguish good from bad, it is still possible to get scammed.
Additionally, certain bad players will promote risky plays and huge bets in an effort to lure particular demographics. Some even advertise in ways that appeal to children and teens. These sorts of operations are why the BGC is so vocal about promoting safe, responsible gaming.
BGC Believes Safe and Responsible Gambling is Important For All Regulated Markets
The Betting and Gaming Council is the governing body for regulations and standards surrounding the UK betting industry. All betting shops and online or brick-and-mortar casinos and bingo halls fall under their purview. Members of the BGC adhere to high ethical standards and are vigilant about maintaining safety in the casino industry.
The BGC works to create a culture of safer, more responsible betting in all markets. Additionally, their work extends to building public trust and providing enjoyable gambling experiences for all legal adults.
To further these goals, they have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the safer gambling tools all BGC members offer. The BGC understands that certain populations are more susceptible to advertisements and public messaging about gambling. Those who are struggling due to the global pandemic may feel that gambling is an attractive option, even if it is risky.
The improved industry code and proactive steps from social media platforms hope to curb some of this impulsive behavior. Additionally, it makes resources for problem gambling more prominent, which means better, safer play for all.
Per the BGC website, CEO Michael Dugher has stated that the BGC's top priority is "to raise standards and drive big changes across the UK betting and gaming industry." By setting an example, the BGC hopes to see other regulated markets following in its footsteps. This means offering safer gambling tools and self-exclusion options, among other things.
They are especially vocal about protecting young people from the dangers of underage gambling. All BGC partners follow strict guidelines about only marketing to age-appropriate demographics. This ensures a better, safer gambling experience for all of the UK.