An estimated 1000 online gambling websites are expected to take a hit as the UK moves to implement stricter regulations on gambling advertising coming from areas that do not meet regulation standards. This change, spearheaded by the UK Department for Culture, Media and Sport, will see a crackdown on many online bingo sites.

Many sites in areas like Antigua, Costa Rica, Kahnawake and the Netherlands Antilles do not meet the required licensing protocol outlined in the Gambling Act of 2005 and will see their advertising affected by the crackdown.

Free online bingo and online bingo clubs from these operations will be covered by the ban, which will be implemented on September 1, 2007.

There’s no doubt the stipulations outlined in the Gaming Act of 2005 are tough. In fact, there are currently only two sites in the major jurisdictions that make the cut on the UK’s ‘white list’.

James Purnell, the UK Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport minces no words when it comes to voicing his opinion on this move:  "I make no apology for banning adverts for websites operating from places that don't meet our strict standards. Protection is my number one priority. The fact that only Alderney and the Isle of Man have been able to meet the high standards demanded by our white listing criteria shows how tough the Gambling Act is. Indeed white listing has actually helped drive up regulatory standards in some countries.

"The Isle of Man, for example, has made significant improvements to their regulatory regime in order to secure a place on the white list. This includes requiring all licensees to make contributions to problem gambling research, education and treatment in line with requirement on UK operators."

The ban covers gambling advertising from excluded jurisdictions over TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, taxis, buses, the tube and some websites. Operators of bingo online games could face fines or even imprisonment if caught breaking the rules.