While it has been known for a few days now that Google was looking to use the UK as a test area for the introduction of gambling and poker adverts to its search engine pages, we now have more detail on the planned move. While the ban in 2004 was self imposed they will now accept adverts from companies which are licensed and based in the European Economic Area (EEA) and also registered with the UK. So what does this mean?
This move has the potential to blow up in Google’s face if not handled correctly which is why they are only allowing recognised companies to advertise. This should see some of the more ‘sharper’ companies in the sector, and the fraudsters, blocked from access to Google surfers in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
While Google has been very coy on the amount of income it would expect to be generated from the rule change, some in the industry put the figure at approaching £100 million. This would be a very worthwhile and very helpful boost to the Google bottom line at a time when even the online advertising arena is starting to feel the pinch.