The steady attempt of the British government to regulate the gaming industry in the country has been reinforced this month with the introduction of sweeping new laws. This time, the new laws attempt to control all forms of gambling advertising including everything from land-based casinos to online gambling websites and they will even cover pub slot machines.

The steps taken by the British government in order to control the Gambling industry started in 2005, when the so-called Gambling Act replaced virtually every gambling law on the book. A new organ called the Gambling Commission has been created to make sure that the new regulations are applied and it will have the power to impose fines and other punishments on gaming operators who breach advertising codes of practice.

The Gambling Commission will ban all commercials that promote excessive or irresponsible gambling and those that target people under 18 in order to protect children and vulnerable people, keep out crime and ensure fair play. Ads from online gambling websites based outside the European Economic Area (EEA) will also be banned. The laws will cover all forms of advertising including newspapers, radio, television, magazines, taxis, buses and London Underground subway trains. The Act also removes more than 6,000 slots, from places such as takeout restaurants, taxi offices and other places where children could play them.

Failure to comply with these rules exposes licensed operators to a range of sanctions including fines, prosecution and if serious or recurring breaches occur, the removal of their operating license. Therefore, this commission is already seen as one of the most powerful gambling regulators in the world.