The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has welcomed the news that Facebook will allow users to opt-outs of viewing gambling-related advertising content across its social media platform. 

The trade body welcomed the development of Facebook’s new advertising safeguard, which will further support its members ‘Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising’, which were enforced last year.

Adopting a tougher online advertising code, BGC members must ensure that all social media ads must be targeted at consumers aged 25 and over unless the website proves they can be precisely targeted at over-18s.

In a further sign of the regulated industry’s commitment to raising standards, at least 20 per cent of their TV and radio ads are safer gambling messages.

Meanwhile, back-to-back monitoring sweeps conducted by the Advertising Standards Association (ASA) relayed the improvements of the industry’s combined efforts in minimising exposure to gambling adverts.

Facebook is reported to be introducing opt-out options on advertising content, as a raft of new measures designed to improve its online environment.    

BGC chief executive Michael Dugher said: “This is yet more evidence of our commitment to raising standards in the regulated industry.

“I welcome this move by Facebook and I would urge all social media and search platforms to provide the ability for users to opt out of viewing betting adverts.

“The regulated betting and gaming industry is determined to promote safer gambling, unlike the unsafe and growing online black market, which has none of the safeguards which are commonplace among BGC members.”