While many bingo halls in the United Kingdom may still be reeling from the recent recession and the nations’ smoking ban, which was implemented in 2007, the popularity of internet bingo has soared across the land and throughout the world. It has now become a multi-million dollar global industry.

If you’re not already aware, bingo is now enjoyed by millions of players on a daily basis from the luxury of their own homes. In fact, it’s the most popular type of online gambling in Britain with several hundred websites now in service.

Many internet bingo players are young professionals who come from all backgrounds. The social buzz of visiting a land based bingo parlour still exist when playing online through the use of internet chat rooms.

However, while internet bingo has been a favourite of the masses since the late 1990s, it has faced various hurdles along the way. 

The Internet was bursting with ads for online gambling sites years ago; however, the floodgates were closed in September 2007 when online gambling became regulated as the British government passed the U.K. Gambling Act of 2005. This allowed licensed online gambling outlets in the UK and a select group of other countries only to advertise their activities. Suddenly, many competitors’ sites were banned from advertising in Britain and in effect, this got rid of many “outlaw” gambling sites as they didn’t meet the newer, stricter standards.

One of the main reasons to tighten up the laws and regulate the industry was to stop remote gambling sites from advertising to minors and those who suffer from gambling addictions. The rules suddenly became very clear as to what could and couldn’t be advertised in various media outlets and other sites, such as on buses and in the underground. Any firm caught breaking the laws face monetary fines and possible imprisonment.

Even though online gaming firms are allowed to advertise, the rules state the ads have to be socially responsible and follow government standards.  They must also abide by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). However, it’s still not uncommon for ads to be banned in the UK.

The main advertising rules are:
*All ads must be legal and not misleading

*Children and other vulnerable people in relation to gambling activity must not be exploited

*The ads can’t intentionally be aimed at people under the age of 18

*The sites have to have a home page link to www.gambleaware.co.uk.

*Only bingo ads can be broadcast before 9pm, with the exception of sporting events before 9pm

The Gambling act also required the sites to be licensed and to stop minors from betting online

The sites are required to establish player identity, age, and address by gathering their name, birth date, address, telephone number, credit card information and email address. This data is then verified before allowing a person to play.  While it’s still possible for a minor to slip through the cracks, the system is quite safe and effective.