IGRG enhances socially responsible advertising code

The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) has made a number of changes to the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising.

Due to come into effect before the end of the year, the enhancements include various measures related to social media, which the IGRG said are designed to limit access of under-18s to inappropriate gambling marketing material on YouTube and Twitter.

Meanwhile, the IGRG has added a requirement for references to GambleAware to be changed to begambleaware.org as well as a specific reference for all operators to do their best to ensure affiliates marketing on their behalf also comply with the Code.

Originally produced in 2007, the Code was updated last year with a range of additional measures and included a commitment to an ongoing review process.

IGRG chairman John Hagan said: “The advertising of gambling has probably never been more in the spotlight than it is at present and we await with interest the eventual conclusions of the ongoing DCMS review.

“In the meantime, pursuant to our own commitment to review the Code on a regular basis, I am glad that we have brought forward now some very worthwhile additions relating to advertising on social media, affiliate marketing and the referencing of begambleaware.org in print and broadcast advertising.”

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