UKGC joint operation with PIPCU sees mass reduction in industry illegal adverts

Updating the market, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed that through its joint operation with the City of London Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) there has been an 87% decline in gambling adverts served through illegal websites.

The joint operation was set up 12 months ago, in order to further protect media owners against copyright infringement. The partnership has seen the launch of PIPCU’s Operation Creative which seeks to stop licensed gambling operators ‘inadvertently providing revenue to those committing crime online’.

The advertising of gambling services on illegal websites is strictly prohibited by licensing conditions of the UKGC which were introduced last October. UK gambling stakeholders can find full provisions on UKGC/PIPCU infringement at http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.ukAdvertising-marketing-rules-and-regulations.aspx

Acting Detective Superintendent Peter Ratcliffe, Head of the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU), commented on the operation: “The success of a strong relationship built between PIPCU and The Gambling Commission can be seen by these figures. This is a fantastic example of a joint working initiative between police and an industry regulator.

“We commend the 40 gambling companies who are already using the Infringing Website List and encourage others to sign up. We will continue to encourage all UK advertisers to become a member of the Infringing Website List to ensure they’re not inadvertently funding criminal websites.”

Tim Moss, CEO of the UK Intellectual Property Office, backed Ratcliffe’s comments stating: “Partnership work is clearly having a major impact on IP crime across the UK. PIPCU and the Gambling Commission have cut off yet another illicit revenue stream for unscrupulous IP thieves. The government and its partners will continue to fight IP crime in all its forms. Those wishing to profit from the hard work of others will not have an easy ride.”