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Compliance Updates

UK’s Advertising Standards Authority Clarifies Content Marketing Rules for Gambling Advertising

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The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the UK’s advertisement watchdog, has issued further guidance on the rules applied to “content marketing” of gambling services/products on social media and other digital channels.

The guidance was published as a “remit statement” responding to queries by operators, related to its 2021 “CAP Code on marketing communications appearing on websites, apps and cross-border platforms”.

Questions were raised as to what extent ASA’s remit covers gambling communications displayed on social media through videos, blogs, posts or updates, that did not explicitly promote a brand, but were deemed to “stimulate interest in products or services”.

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ASA stated that it had a “common understanding” with the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) that all social media content published by licensed operators must comply with the standards and protections set by the UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing (the CAP Code).

As such, content created by licensed operators must ensure the protection of under-18s and other vulnerable groups from the potential harms associated with gambling.

Aware of the diverse range of content communications available to advertisers, ASA noted that it had a distinction in how it applies CAP rules to monitor content.

The guidance noted: “ASA regulates commercial communications in marketers’ own spaces online that are likely to have the effect of ‘selling something’; content that can reasonably be considered advertising.”

“For obvious reasons, it can’t regulate everything in the online space. One of the key exclusions – inspired in large part by the need to protect freedom of expression – is for editorial content.”

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ASA warned that it considers the vast majority of content marketing to be “selling something,” therefore, requiring licensed operators to follow CAP Code gambling rules on under-18 protection and to ensure that content cannot appeal to youth culture.

Further CAP Code requirements applied to content marketing restrict under-25s from being featured in a gambling advertisement or prominent advertising role, as a new gambling advertising rule enforced by CAP.

ASA acknowledged that there is potential for some social media content to fall outside of its enforcement remit, in which it will consider complaints on a case-by-case basis.

In the limited scenarios where complaints about operators’ social media are deemed not to be within remit, the ASA will refer them to the Gambling Commission who will consider the content displayed within the boundaries of its Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) rules.

ASA concluded: “Ultimately, the message for operators is straight-forward – all consumer-facing social media activity must comply with the standards set out in the gambling section of the CAP Code.

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“For consumers, this demonstrates ASA and the Gambling Commission’s continued commitment to work together to deliver joined-up and effective protections.”

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Compliance Updates

Washington’s Lottery Achieves Nation’s Highest Level of Responsible Gambling Certification

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Washington’s Lottery announced that it has achieved the highest level of responsible gambling certification in the country. As acknowledged by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries (NASPL), Washington’s Lottery officially was certified for “Responsible Gambling Verification Best Practices at the Sustaining Level” in December 2024, the culmination of a process that began with certification at the Planning Level in 2019 and Implementation Level in 2021.

Washington’s Lottery is only the third state lottery in addition to Virginia and Ohio to achieve this milestone. NCPG and NASPL also recognize nine other state lotteries that have achieved a similar certification through the World Lottery Association.

“I can’t begin to express how proud I am of the work our team has done to achieve this important standard. We have a unique obligation as a state agency that sells a gambling product and need to balance the goal of raising money for important state initiatives like education with the need to acknowledge and assist the small percentage of players who may experience gambling-related distress. We take that work very seriously and weave it into all aspects of our jobs,” Kristi Weeks, Director of Legal Services for Washington’s Lottery, said.

To receive the Sustaining Level certification, Washington’s Lottery was evaluated by a team of four independent experts, who reviewed the lottery’s efforts in eight key categories related to responsible gambling: planning, employee training, retailer training, public education and awareness, product oversight, research, advertising, and resources.

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“The key to our success has been the integration of responsible gambling initiatives into each and every employee’s position rather than centralizing it into only one or a few positions,” Weeks added.

The post Washington’s Lottery Achieves Nation’s Highest Level of Responsible Gambling Certification appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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CT Gaming Receives Approval to Launch Diamond King 4 in Bulgarian Market

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CT Gaming has announced that its latest multigame, Diamond King 4, has officially received certification to launch in the Bulgarian market.

“The certification of Diamond King 4 marks a significant milestone, allowing us to expand our presence in gaming halls across the country. This further solidifies our market position and provides operators and players access to one of our most innovative offerings,” Biser Bozhanov, Director of Strategy & Business Development at CT Gaming, said.

Built on the success of its predecessors, Diamond King 4 is designed to exceed expectations and establish itself as the next favorite among players. Launched in celebration of the company’s 25th anniversary, this multigame embodies CT Gaming’s core values – innovation and tradition. It combines classic and modern titles, appealing to both long-time fans of iconic games and new-generation players with enhanced graphics and contemporary gameplay solutions.

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One of Diamond King 4’s standout features is its integration with the progressive jackpot Diamond Tree Deluxe. The new concept introduces a variety of reward options and a more engaging player experience, enriched with additional bonus features. Furthermore, the multigame package includes the fan-favorite Duck of Luck, now featuring a fully updated Buy Bonus option.

“We believe this certification is just the beginning of Diamond King 4’s successful integration into key markets – both in Europe and globally,” Biser Bozhanov added.

The post CT Gaming Receives Approval to Launch Diamond King 4 in Bulgarian Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Network 10 Breaches Gambling Ad Rules During Formula 1 Grand Prix Broadcast

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Network Ten has been found in breach of broadcasting rules after airing gambling advertisements during the australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in March 2024.

An Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) investigation found four gambling ads were aired at prohibited times during a broadcast of the first practice round of the Grand Prix.

Under the Commercial TV Code of Practice (the Code), gambling promotions cannot be shown during broadcasts of sporting events between 5am and 8.30pm, including the five minutes before and after the event.

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Authority member Carolyn Lidgerwood said the rules around gambling advertisements on TV are there to protect the community from gambling related harms.

“Broadcasters should have strict controls in place to ensure compliance with the restrictions on gambling ads during sporting events,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

Practice rounds and qualifying rounds for motorsports are subject to the same restrictions on gambling advertising as the main event itself.

This is the first breach by Network 10 of the gambling advertising rules in the Code. During the investigation, Network 10 submitted that the broadcasts occurred due to human error.

Following the ACMA’s breach finding, Network 10 voluntarily improved the planning, checks and balances it has in place for ad scheduling and has, at the ACMA’s request, agreed to review its processes to introduce additional quality controls.

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Network 10 will also train staff to avoid similar issues in the future and will provide a written progress report to the ACMA.

In a separate investigation in 2024, the ACMA found that streaming service 10 Play, provided by Network 10, breached online gambling advertising rules during two live-streamed sports events.

“The ACMA will closely monitor these actions and Network Ten’s compliance with the broadcasting and online gambling advertising rules,” Ms Lidgerwood said.

The post Network 10 Breaches Gambling Ad Rules During Formula 1 Grand Prix Broadcast appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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