Voxly Vision
Does this apply to me?
The advertising provisions apply to:
- Gambling operators advertising to customers in Great Britain
- Anyone who publishes or distributes gambling advertising
- Overseas operators taking British custom without a GB licence
It is criminal law, enforced by the Gambling Commission and the courts. It works alongside the Commission's licence conditions (LCCP) and the ASA's advertising codes.
Key rules
The core provisions:
- No advertising of unlawful gambling — gambling that isn't properly licensed for the GB market.
- Licensing requirement — advertising is only lawful if the underlying gambling is licensed here.
- Criminal liability for those who advertise or facilitate unlawful gambling.
Common breaches
Where prosecutions arise:
- Unlicensed operators advertising to British customers.
- Informal or 'grey market' gambling promoted through messaging apps and social media.
- Facilitating the advertising of unlawful gambling.
How Voxly Vision checks an ad against this code
Every report shows an overall verdict, the rules at stake and a recommended fix. For gambling, Voxly Vision checks every ad against the ad codes and licence conditions before it reaches British customers.
Recent rulings
"The Post Bookmakers" (WhatsApp)
Convicted · Dec 2025
An unlicensed WhatsApp bookie admitted advertising unlawful gambling and providing it without a licence. Suspended jail sentence, £230k compensation and £60k costs.
Offence: s.330 Advertising unlawful gambling
Frequently asked questions
Is it a crime to advertise unlicensed gambling?
Yes. Advertising unlawful gambling in Great Britain is a criminal offence under Part 16 of the Gambling Act 2005.
Does it apply to overseas operators?
Yes — operators taking British customers without a GB licence can fall foul of the advertising provisions.
Who enforces it?
The Gambling Commission and the courts.
How does it relate to the ASA codes?
The Act is the criminal-law foundation; the ASA codes and the Commission's licence conditions govern how lawful gambling may be advertised.