UK government advances selective online gaming advertisement ban
The UK government today approved new standards that effectively ban advertising activities of online gaming companies from outside of the European Economic Area.
The standards, an extension of the Gambling Act of 2005, will begin to be enforced in September 1st. Jurisdictions outside of the EEA have the opportunity to apply for exemption, but early reports suggest that the process will be rigorous and success unlikely for many.
Some 2,000 online gaming operations currently operate outside of the EEA, the majority of which reside in Antigua, Costa Rica and the Canadian Reservation of Kahnawake. Antigua and Kanhawake have applications currently under consideration, while Costa Rica has yet to apply.
As it stands, the ban would impact online operations with major physical presences in the UK, such as William Hill. To date, only the Isle of Man and Alderney have received jurisdiction exemptions.









