Google UK gags gambling ads

No more bets please

By John Oates • Get more from this author

Posted in Law, 7th June 2007 14:11 GMT

Google UK has extended its ban on adverts from gambling sites to include non-cash games and gambling tutorials.

Casinos were always banned from bidding for AdWords but this policy now applies to fun sites which offer gambling type games for no money and those offering other gambling-related content.

The search behemoth sent us the following statement:

Google has always prohibited the advertising of things like bingo, poker and online casinos. However having looked at this issue very carefully and considered the views of our users, we have decided to extend our policy.
We will no longer take ads for sites that promote gambling related content or gambling tutorials or whose primary purpose is `playing for fun', gambling or casino games of skill. While we respect people's differing views on gambling - and support freedom of expression - we believe that this new policy is simpler for everyone to understand and more in tune with users' wishes.

The policy is currently being rolled out - advertisers hit by the ban have been sent an email explaining the change. ®

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