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UK ad regulation

Gambling Industry Code

This is the gambling industry's own voluntary code, layered on top of the ASA ad rules. Its best-known provisions: gambling ads on social media must be targeted at over-25s, must carry prominent safer-gambling messaging, and must not feature anyone who looks under 25. It raises the bar beyond the baseline ad codes.

Official Name
Gambling Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising
Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Category
Gambling and Lotteries

Does this apply to me?

The Code applies to operators who are signatories, which includes most major UK gambling brands. It governs:

  • Social media targeting and content
  • Use of people and imagery in ads
  • Safer-gambling messaging requirements

It is administered by the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling. Though voluntary, its provisions are widely adopted and increasingly reflected in ASA expectations.

Key rules

The headline provisions:

  • 25+ social media targeting — ads must be aimed at over-25 audiences.
  • Nobody under 25 in ads — no one who is, or appears to be, under 25.
  • Prominent safer-gambling messaging.
  • No strong appeal to under-18s.

Common breaches

Where ads fall short:

  • Featuring people who look under 25 — including AI-generated figures.
  • Weak targeting that lets ads reach younger audiences.
  • Insufficient safer-gambling messaging.
See it in action

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 social ads, Voxly Vision flags anyone who looks under 25, including AI-generated people, and missing safer-gambling messages.

Example Voxly Vision compliance report showing an overall result, key findings and a recommended action

Recent rulings

Midnite (TikTok)
Upheld · 16 Sep 2026

An AI-generated man pushing a World Cup bet offer looked under 25. Midnite and its affiliate were told to keep anyone who seems under 25 out of gambling ads.

Rules breached: 16.3.14 Under-25s, 25+ rule

Read the ASA ruling →

Frequently asked questions

What's the 25+ rule in gambling ads?
Gambling ads on social media must be targeted at over-25 audiences, and must not feature anyone who is or appears to be under 25.

Does the under-25 rule apply to AI-generated people?
Yes. The ASA has applied it to an AI-generated figure that appeared under 25.

Is the Gambling Industry Code law?
No, it's a voluntary industry code — but it's widely adopted and its standards inform ASA expectations.

Who runs the Code?
The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling.

Read the official source →

Check every ad against these rules before it goes live

Voxly Vision checks images and video against this code and 22 others, then shows your team exactly what to fix.

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