As many as 40 MP's from the United Kingdom, including several high profile
ones, have signed an early day motion against Google's revised online gambling
advertising policy.
Recently, Google announced that it would be allowing certain online
gambling sites to advertise their products and services under very strict
conditions.
However, the early day motion, spearheaded by Labor MP for Birmingham, Khalid
Mahmood, was introduced after the signatures of at least 40 supporting MP's were
obtained. The motion calls for the search engine to revise its policy.
"This house notes with concern the recent decision of Google to reintroduce
online gambling advertisements during a period of economic downturn;" read the
motion, "supports the Church of England's position that the actions of Google
risk normalizing gambling in society; and calls on Google to review its policy
in line with its own obligations on corporate social responsibility."
Speaking for Google UK, James Cashmore defended Google's decision and
outlined the necessary steps that the search engine is taking to protect
consumers. "Following a thorough policy review last year, we believe that
allowing search ads for gambling in Great Britain is consistent with local
business practices," he said. "We have, however, taken steps to ensure only
properly licensed gambling businesses can advertise on Google, and these ads
will automatically be classified as 'Non Family Safe', meaning they will not
show on any search where a user has applied the Safe Search filter."
"Advertisers must also display links to a gambling charity - like GamCare, or
Gamble Aware - on their websites," added Cashmore.
It is believed that online gambling advertising could generate up to £300
million for Google.
