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Social media’s role in responsible online gambling

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Popular social media sites like Facebook implement the option to opt-out of gambling ads in support of safer gambling.


The online casino industry has shown tremendous growth with players across the globe taking part in the thrill of playing online casino games.

With the growth in the industry, there have been various changes including more focus on responsible gambling. Even the world of social media is doing its part in creating a safer gambling environment for players.

Safer gambling and social media

Social Media sites such as Facebook have shown their support for responsible gambling initiatives. Facebook recently made public that they will be adding an option to opt-out of betting adverts. This was shortly after Snapchat did something similar earlier in the year.

With this in place, users will have the option to remove gambling advertisements should they choose. The Betting and Gaming Council welcomes the news and has been working closely with Facebook in the past year in an effort to create more new tools for those wishing to see fewer betting ads.

The BGC recently updated the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising Code they released last year. The code states all social media ads must target consumers aged 25 or over. This is applicable on all websites unless they can prove they can precisely target at over 18’s.

The BGC chief executive, Michael Dugher says the move by Facebook is a welcome one and urges all other social media and search platforms to follow suit.

The ban or option of opting out of advertisements is not entirely new as many social sites have started implementing this option in an attempt to increase responsible gambling. YouTube made headlines earlier in the year announcing it will no longer accept promotions relating to alcohol, gambling, politics or prescription drugs. This was only months after YouTube added an option to opt-out of most gambling and alcohol adverts in the UK.

Twitter has a ban on any gambling or gambling-related content advertising. Only advertising for state-run lotteries is permitted. Advertisers for the latter are only allowed with prior authorization from Twitter.

The streaming site, Twitch, made waves in August introducing anti-gambling measures with an aim to prevent creator content that promotes gambling.

In the creator update, it states that Twitch prohibits sharing links or referral codes to sites that offer slots, roulette, or dice games. It continues saying that gambling-related content will be closely monitored and an update to there can be an update to the current approach if needed.

Responsible gambling focus

The online gambling and social media industries are working hand in hand to create a safer environment for online gamblers.

Regulations are changing according to responsible gambling requirements and safeguards are being put in place on the majority of social media pages. The BGC chief executive, Michael Dugher, is urging social media and search platforms to continue adding options to opt-out of betting ads and implement other tools promoting responsible gambling.

Dugher says they are dedicated to raising the standards within the regulated gambling industry.

As the popularity of the online casino industry has grown, so has the number of problem gamblers. As such, there has been a bigger need to increase the focus of tools and strategies of responsible gambling.

With the ban of gambling ads and providing tools to assist with responsible gambling, it is already a step in the right direction for social media. Social media plays a big role in driving engagement and with the right tools, it can have the right impact.

Published: December 22, 2021

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Article by Stelly

CasinoWow Contributor

Hey there! I am Stelly, and happily, I'm part of CasinoWow's content team. It excites me to be able to write and share with all gambling enthusiasts unbiased reviews and news that contribute to the gambling community and industry. Thankfully, I also have the chance to help you make an informed choice for casino brands and games, as well as provide interesting guides and news.

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