Author name: PPCJuice

Independent Australian senator David Pocock has called for an inquiry into the gambling industry’s influence on government policy, particularly regarding online gambling reform. His move comes as pressure grows to ban gambling advertisements, especially on digital platforms. Pocock wants to examine how gambling companies may influence government decisions, specifically the response to a landmark gambling harm enquiry, which recommended phasing out gambling adverts. Gambling industry influence under scrutiny Pocock is pushing for the issue to be referred to a Senate committee for investigation. He has expressed frustration that no action has been taken on the issue despite broad support for the inquiry’s recommendations. ‘This is a public health issue,’ Pocock said, emphasising the need for reform to protect vulnerable groups from gambling-related harm. the extent and the appropriateness of industry influence over government decision-making as it relates to online gambling reform David Pocock In line with these concerns, the Australian Greens have introduced a bill proposing to ban gambling adverts before and after sports broadcasts and during children’s programming, capping adverts at two per programme. The Labour Party had also proposed similar measures but has yet to release a formal policy. The government has stated it is still consulting with industry stakeholders before moving forward with reforms. Are online gambling advert policies about to change The gambling industry, however, has resisted a blanket ban, with groups like Responsible Wagering Australia warning that such measures could push people to unregulated offshore sites. They advocate for restrictions aimed at protecting children and vulnerable groups without completely stifling the industry’s advertising capacity. reduce children’s and vulnerable groups’ exposure to gambling advertising Kai Cantwell CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia As the debate intensifies, this issue is expected to impact global gambling advertising policies, particularly in the UK, where digital gambling adverts are under increasing scrutiny. With growing calls for reform, significant changes in how gambling adverts are regulated could be on the horizon. To learn more about the UK’s stance on gambling regulations and advertising, check out the UK Gambling Commission’s guidelines on advertising.

There’s growing concern over gambling adverts after one for Ladbrokes showed up on a baby monitor app. The app, called YCC365 Plus, is usually used for home security but parents often use it to watch their babies. The advert offered a £30 welcome bonus and has led to criticism from those pushing for tougher rules on gambling adverts. This incident has sparked a debate about how well current advert rules are working, with critics saying gambling companies are still reaching people they shouldn’t. Ladbrokes’ parent company, Entain, mentioned the advert didn’t break their rules because the app is seen as a home monitoring tool, not a kids’ product. However, reform supporters view this as a sign that rules aren’t strong enough. Advocates like Don Foster and the Coalition to End Gambling Adverts argue that changes are needed now, as gambling adverts are common in everyday digital spaces. Will Prochaska from the coalition pointed out that incidents like this show how gambling companies advertise aggressively, putting at risk groups like parents. Google’s gambling advert policies and compliance measures Google enforces strict rules on gambling adverts, allowing them only in approved areas with responsible gambling messaging and restrictions on targeting minors. Advertisers must obtain certification and follow local laws, or risk ad bans, account suspensions, or reduced reach. Some formats, like Gmail and Shopping adverts, are entirely restricted. However, the Ladbrokes incident highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring these adverts reach only the intended audience. Calls for stricter regulation amid rising concerns A gambling advert appearing on a baby monitor app has led to stronger calls for tighter ad regulations. Critics believe that relying on gambling companies and platforms like Google to regulate themselves isn’t enough to stop these errors. There have been similar incidents before, where gambling adverts supposedly reached new parents through affiliate marketing. Even though gambling companies say they follow advert rules, campaigners argue that loopholes let adverts reach the wrong audiences.

Google’s July 2023 trade mark policy update has made digital advertising more challenging for nonprofits. The new rules allow advertisers to use third-party trade marks in their ads as long as they remain transparent about their services. Whilst the policy aims to promote competition, it has created significant hurdles for charities relying on Google Ads to fundraise and maintain visibility. Overview of policy changes This policy shift has sparked concerns among regulators and industry experts, who argue that Google’s changes disproportionately harm smaller organisations. Nonprofits, often operating with limited resources, struggle to compete in the increasingly aggressive ad auctions. Critics also highlight the broader implications of Google’s market power, suggesting that such policies may deepen inequalities in digital advertising. Google has stated that nonprofits can request the removal of unauthorised ads using their trade marks. However, many charities find it difficult to navigate these processes while managing the surge in competition. Regulators are now scrutinising Google’s practices, raising questions about whether the tech giant’s approach undermines fair competition. Impact on nonprofits As non-profits adapt to this challenging environment, they face an uphill struggle to protect their online presence and sustain donor engagement. The long-term impact of Google’s policy change may reshape the digital advertising landscape, leaving non-profits to bear the brunt of rising costs and diluted visibility. Non-profits like Samaritan’s Purse and St Jude Children’s Research Hospital have reported a surge in competition from smaller search engines such as Info.com and Ask Media Group. These entities bid on keywords related to the non-profits’ names, sometimes using misleading headings that divert potential donors to unrelated sites. As a result, charities are forced to increase their ad budgets to retain visibility, with some spending up to double their usual amounts. Many non-profits in the UK are indeed utilising Google Ad Grants to help offset advertising costs, which provide up to £8,000 per month in free advertising credits. However, some organisations find it necessary to supplement this with additional fundraising efforts to expand their reach beyond what the grant allows. The updated trade mark policy by Google has inadvertently placed non-profits at a disadvantage in the digital advertising landscape. Non-profits are now compelled to adapt quickly to these changes or risk losing critical funding sources.

Efforts to control gambling adverts in sport are bringing challenges and new ideas from those involved. Recent restrictions by regulatory bodies are changing how sponsorships work, especially in Belgian football and Google’s ad policies. These changes aim to lessen the effects of gambling adverts on society whilst keeping sport organisations financially stable. Loopholes in sponsorship regulations Belgium’s new strict rules on gambling sponsorships in football have pushed clubs to think outside the box. The King’s Commissioner for Sport (KSC) put these rules in place to reduce the impact of gambling adverts on fans, especially those at risk of gambling addiction. But Belgian clubs have found ways to work within these rules through indirect partnerships, such as with foundations and supporter groups. These partnerships allow clubs to show off secondary brands or platforms tied to gambling firms, getting around the ban on direct sponsorships. For example, teaming up with news sites that link users to betting platforms has become more common. These tactics give clubs much-needed funds without breaking the rules. As Belgium deals with these challenges, the Premier League is facing similar issues. It plans to ban gambling logos on team shirts in the 2026/27 season but will allow them on sleeves, which might lead to lost revenue. Gambling companies have historically been major sponsors, offering large fees that are hard to replace. Google’s role in gambling advert policies Google Ads has strict rules to ensure that gambling advertising is done responsibly and follows local laws. These rules are meant to protect you, especially minors, and to promote responsible gambling. If companies want to advertise gambling content, they must first get certified by Google Ads. This certification requires them to meet strict criteria like advertising only in certain countries, sharing responsible gambling information, and not targeting people who are under age. There are different rules for different kinds of gambling content. Physical gambling places, like real casinos, can advertise under certain conditions. Online gambling companies can also advertise if they follow the certification and localised rules. Even social casino games—games that simulate gambling but with no real money—can advertise if they meet specific standards.

Online gambling in Brazil is booming, offering economic benefits but also raising concerns about addiction and financial instability. Did you know that 86% of gamblers in Brazil struggle with debt, and 64% are close to going bankrupt? The Brazilian government now estimates 1/4 of the entire population gambles online (mostly sports bets on Soccer) and Brazilians are on track to gamble 42 billion dollars this year This in a country where GDP per capita is 10k/year pic.twitter.com/N3tPhZ9jJ3 — Saagar Enjeti (@esaagar) January 12, 2025 To tackle this, the Brazilian government has started enforcing stricter regulations to create a safer gambling environment. Brazil enforces stricter gambling rules Starting January 1, 2025, any gambling ads on sites like Google Ads must follow local laws. Advertisers need licenses from Brazil’s Ministry of Finance to ensure they’re protecting consumers. These ads also have to show risk warnings, provide help links, and promote responsible gaming. These steps are aimed at stopping fraud, encouraging responsible gambling, and building trust in the industry. The government are also shutting down illegal gambling websites, over 2,000 have already been closed. Meanwhile, licensed companies can operate temporarily whilst they finish getting their approvals. This approach helps grow the industry whilst protecting those who are at risk. Google’s adaptive policies in the UK In the UK, Google’s updates are opening up more chances for charities to advertise. From October 15, 2024, Google Ads allows ads for activities like charitable raffles, free draws, and prize draws if the operators are registered with groups like the UK Fundraising Regulator or the Scottish Charity Register. While this change gives more room for charitable adverts, it still keeps tough rules for adverts about gambling, like sports betting, online casinos, and lotteries. Advertisers need to register with the Gambling Commission and show a valid operating licence. In Northern Ireland, rules are stricter, only allowing gambling adverts for state or government-approved lotteries. Google stresses the need for advertisers in these areas to be certified. This helps ensure things are clear and follow the rules, cutting down the chance of misuse. The update focuses on balancing more advertising opportunities with strong protection for consumers.