BGC new regulation to limit social media gambling ads

UK standards body, the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) published some tough new rules in order to protect under-18s from being exposed to gambling offers promoted by football clubs from their official social media accounts.

The BGC has written to both the Premier League and the English Football League to make clubs aware of the rules and changes. BGC chairman Brigid Simmonds explained: “Football clubs are an important part of the sporting fabric of this country, followed by millions of all ages on social media. Our members rightly have a zero tolerance approach to gambling by under-18s, so as an industry we are understandably concerned that children may be exposed to betting adverts on social media platforms.

Our new guidelines make clear the standards expected of football clubs when they post gambling promotions on social media, and I look forward to them being put into practice as soon as possible”.

Also, BGC requested Twitter and Facebook to implement age-gating for all gambling ads on their platforms. These look to have all social media ads for gambling to be targeted at those aged 25 and above where possible.