Following the publication of its new gambling policy, the UK government has decided to ban all gambling websites based outside the European Union. This new regulation will come into force next month, as explained by Culture Secretary James Purnell.

The Culture Secretary also said that for him, protecting customers from sites that do not operate pursuant to the United Kingdom provisions was a priority. “I make no apology for banning adverts for websites operating from places that don't meet our strict standards,” Purnell said. “Protection is my number one priority.”

Those websites based within the UK, Europe and other areas included in the government’s white list, will be allowed to advertise on TV, radio and in print media. Any broadcasters and publishers not abiding by the rules, will have to pay fines and could even go to prison.

Meanwhile, gaming companies from countries that are not part of the list, have expressed their annoyance about the government’s measures. Approximately 1,000 companies that will be banned from advertising as of 1 September, have already asked their local authorities to submit an application with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Up until now, only the Isle of Man and Alderney have been recommended for authorization.