Today, everyone is familiar with the warnings that are ubiquitous on packages of cigarettes. They’re only a little different from country to nation, but they remind consumers of this well-known health dilemmas that can occur because of smoking every time they look at a pack.

Now, the European Commission wants to see those warnings expanded to a area that is new online gambling. The commission shall ask countries to in turn request that Internet gaming ads come with warning messages that explain the risks of gambling to viewers.

Recommendations Not Binding

The recommendation, reportedly section of a draft document quick hits slot machine youtube which was seen by Reuters, comes as the European Union is anticipated to recommend tighter controls regarding the online gambling industry this week. None of these tips could be legitimately binding, nevertheless they could be taken to heart by some countries, particularly those which were already considering tighter rules within the sector.

The recommendations suggest warnings about several areas of gambling. For example, ads might point out chances of winning or losing, contain home elevators getting support for problem gambling, or speak about the possibility of becoming addicted. The EU also recommends a ban on Web gambling companies acting as sponsors for events that are targeted at minors.

In line with the Commission that is european were 6.8 million online gamblers in the EU as of 2011. The industry is said to be growing by 15 % a year there, making it the fastest growing service activity in Europe. The industry is said to be worth $14.3 billion in total.

The EU isn’t the only real one thinking about putting restrictions and regulations on online gambling adverts. Italy considered banning ads that are such television in radio, and ultimately passed a law which will place restriction on such ads in the future.

Gambling Advertisements Face Scrutiny

The suggestions come at a time when gambling firms have now been under scrutiny for both land-based and online tasks. And with the World Cup being one of the biggest revenue streams for bookmakers around the world, firms have been particularly criticized for many for the ads they will have produced to promote betting in the tournament.

For example, Irish firm that is betting Power received fire last month after they changed 20 of their storefront signs to read Pelepower in an attempt to capitalize on the name of Pele, Brazil’s legendary soccer hero. Pele’s lawyers quickly sent a cease-and-desist order, and Paddy Power took down the signs. They also received fire for making use of a fake image of a stripped Amazon rainforest with the message ‘c’mon England PP’ carved into the ground, and just revealed the photo ended up being photoshopped after days of controversy.

Other companies were in big trouble for misusing the Christ the Redeemer statue in advertisements. In Australia, Sportsbet.com.au flew a giant balloon version of the statue over Melbourne, complete having an Australian jersey and their logo. Within the UK, evangelicals were upset after City AM published a gambling advertisement that showed Christ the Redeemer with bikini-wearing models and holding a bottle of alcohol along with the message ‘Thereis a more exciting part to Brazil.’

Bookmakers into the UK such as William Hill have also faced criticism for his or her techniques, particularly over their use of fixed-odds terminals that are betting. Critics say the devices victim on gambling addicts, and present legal changes have resulted in increased taxes on the games.