The Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG) has made some improvements to the Industry code as a response to calls for tougher rules on advertising.

IGRG has announced on Thursday that a range of improvements will be made to the Industry Code for Socially Responsible Advertising.

The original code, which was published in 2007, includes measures such as the 9 p.m. TV watershed for all gambling products except for bingo and sports betting around televised sports events; the requirement for advertisements to carry information about the Gamble Aware website; and the removal of sponsoring operators’ logos from all children’s merchandise, such as replica football kits.

The revised version of the code, which will be implemented within six months, prohibits gambling ads from including sign-up offers for new customers before 9 p.m.; all television and radio adverts should have a socially responsible gambling message at the end; the inclusion of clear 18+ or ‘no under 18s’ messaging on all print and television adverts, plus new provisions to cover aspects of marketing on social media.