INDUSTRY GROUP FOR RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING

The Betting and Gaming Council coordinates the work for the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG).

Members of the Betting and Gaming Council adhere to the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) Code for Socially Responsible Advertising.

MISSION STATEMENT

Established in 2014 and incorporated November 2015, IGRG's mission is to provide a structure to better promote socially responsible gambling across all gambling sectors in the UK. This unique opportunity afforded by the collaboration of all trade association heads to form a single body, demonstrates industry's commitment to openly share information and continue to develop, improve and promote best social responsibility practices.

IGRG CODE

The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) has recently published the seventh edition of the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising (‘the Industry Code’).

COMPLIANCE

It has always been the case that when breaches of the code are identified that the company concerned has taken remedial action once it is brought to their attention. However, if this was ever not the case then the industry will look to the Gambling Commission to encourage companies to be compliant. This is provided for in the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice. In particular Ordinary Code provision 5.1.8 states that "Licensees should also follow any relevant industry code of practice on advertising, notably the Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising."

COMPLAINTS

Complaints and breaches of the Industry Code are dealt with by the Betting and Gaming Council, which is also responsible for conducting periodic reviews of the Code at least annually. To date there have been no instances where an operator has not taken remedial action when a breach is judged to have occurred, but if that was to happen it is open to BGC to refer the case to the Gambling Commission so that they are aware of the issue.

Any possible breaches of the Code should be reported to complaints@bettingandgamingcouncil.com.

PLATFORMS LISTED FOR 18+ TARGETING

The platforms below are allowed to be used by IGRG signatories for 18+ targeting rather than 25+ after providing evidence of the accuracy of their targeting.

• Facebook
• Snap

KEY REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE FOR MEMBERS

1. Include reference to www.gambleaware.org in all print and broadcast adverts - para 27

2. Television watershed: product restrictions - para 32

3. Television watershed: sign up offers and references to other products - para 34

4. Safer gambling messages within every television advert - para 43

5. Television advertising: minimum size of text - para 44

6. Radio messaging – para 45.

7. Adult only messaging – para 46

8. Online banner advertising click-through – para 47

9. Sports’ sponsorships restrictions - para 48

10. Sponsorship of television programmes, inclusion of www.gambleaware.org - para 50

11. Social Media marketing – paras 53-55

12. Promoting consumer awareness – para 57

13. Keyword blacklist – para 59

14. Affiliate activity – para 61