As change takes place across the globe,willbetduel at dawn we look at what the future could hold for gambling advertising bans and restrictions in 2025.

The gambling industry is no stranger to scrutiny, and one area that regularly comes under the spotlight is advertising. With concerns about its influence on vulnerable groups and society’s attitude towards gambling, several countries are ramping up restrictionson how it is marketed.

From the United Kingdom to Finland and Australia, the landscape of gambling advertising is changing rapidly, especially in the world of iGaming and online casinos.

A tighter grip on marketing practices in the UK

The country has always been a leader in regulating gambling. Recent developments in the UK gambling regulations show an even stricter approach to advertising.

Research released by GambleAware found that children, young people, and vulnerable adultsin Europe are significantly exposed to gambling advertisements. The findings add pressure on regulators to implement tougher restrictionsto UK online casinos, which will limit the exposure of these groups to gambling ads.

Northern Ireland has already taken notable steps in this direction. New restrictions are set to prohibit gambling advertisements from appearing on television and radio before 9 p.m. Additionally, all gambling ads during live sporting events will be banned.

This approach mirrors similar measures in the rest of the UK, which have been implemented to curb the normalisation of gambling, particularly among young people and those at risk of harm.

Finland: Protecting the next generation

Finland is another country sharpening its focus on gambling advertising. Recently, the state-owned gambling monopoly Veikkaus has been scrutinised. Under the new rules, Veikkaus faces finesif its advertising is deemed to target minors or encourage excessive gambling behaviour.

This move highlights Finland's commitment to protecting younger audiences from exposure to gambling promotions, particularly as online gambling becomes more accessible.

The shift in Finland’s gambling regulations and policies reflects a broader European trend of heightened accountability for casino operators. The introduction of fines creates a deterrent for irresponsible advertising, setting a precedent for stricter enforcement across the industry.

For Veikkaus, the challenge lies in balancing its promotional efforts while adhering to these new, stricter guidelines—especially as competition from international operators to Finnish online casinos continues to grow.

Change in the pipeline for Australia

Across the globe, Australia is also grappling with the issueof gambling advertising. While reforms aimed at tightening gambling advertising rules have been delayed until at least some time in 2025, the proposed changes signal a significant shift in policy.

The reforms to Australian gambling regulations are expected to include measures to restrict advertising during live sportsbroadcasts, similar to policies already seen in the UK.

Australia’s delay may frustrate advocates for immediate change, but it also provides an opportunity to refinethe proposed measures. As online gambling continues to expand, with online casinos gaining traction among Australian players, the government’s eventual approach will need to account for the unique challenges of regulating digital platforms.

What does the future hold?

The move towards stricter advertising restrictions is gaining momentum worldwide, driven by concerns about problem gambling and its eventual impact on society. For online gambling and online casinos in particular, the challenge lies in navigating an increasingly regulated environmentwithout compromising their ability to reach their audiences.

Countries like the UK, Finland, and Australia are setting the tone for what could become a global trend. While the exact measures vary, the underlying goal remains the same: to minimise the harm caused by gambling advertising, particularly among vulnerable groups.

As regulations evolve, operators will need to be smart and align with new standards. Whether through self-regulation or by embracing more transparent and socially responsible advertising, the gambling industry has a chance to reshape its image and build trust with the public.

For players, these changes may offer a safer and more controlled gambling environment—both online and offline!