Anger over gambling ads on Google
Updated on 17 October 2008
Gambling websites can advertise on internet search engine Google from Friday.
It means bookmakers and casinos can target internet users in Britain when they type specific words into the website.
The timing of the decision has angered politicians and religious groups who claim the current financial crisis is causing enough money worries without the need to encourage gambling.
Google insisted ads will only be accepted from companies regulated in Britain or Europe. They also said parents could use safety filters to stop children seeing the ads as they will be classified as 'Non-Family Safe'.
The decision comes after television advertising restrictions on bookmakers, casinos and online gambling sites were lifted by the Government last year.
Google will maintain its ban on gambling ads on the rest of its worldwide sites.
On Thursday the Queen was given a glimpse into the world of Google when she visited the organisation's offices.
The Monarch, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, was introduced to software engineers, senior managers, and a host of other staff that keep the world's most popular internet search site running.
Figures released this week by gambling addiction charity Gamcare show a large increase in the number of people who feel they have a problem. They reported that annual calls to their helpline rose 25% to just below 38,000 last year. The average debt of people who rang for help was over £17,500.
Peter Kilfoyle, the former Labour Defence minister, said the timing of the move was "extraordinary".
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