Online casinos face ad crackdown

Online gambling companies have been accused of publishing illegal adverts that offer inducements for people to use their services.

Unlike bricks-and-mortar casinos, many internet gaming websites are allowed to advertise because they are based offshore.

But Minister of Culture Tessa Jowell claims a crackdown on online casinos' adverts is necessary to prevent firms from offering enticements, such as free entry to online poker matches, or indicating the value of a prize on offer - both of which are illegal says the government.

A spokesman for the minister told silicon.com: "People have been breaking the law and it's our job to uphold the law. Some ads offer free entry to poker competitions which is against the rules. This is about the content and what you are and are not allowed to publish."

The adverts are commonly found in pubs, taxis and on the London Underground Tube system.

The crackdown will be enforced by the Crown Prosecution Service.