An upcoming probe into UK’s popular TV game shows will determine whether or not they constitute gambling.
Shows such as Deal Or No Deal and ITV’s million pound Red Or Black, developed by Simon Cowell, will be under scrutiny as they could be breaking the law because they do not require any element of skill.
Producers of Deal Or No Deal were shocked to be told by the Gambling Commission that their £250,000 jackpot game could be breaking the law because they do not involve any element of skill.
ITV has also held off plans to relaunch the Play Your Cards Right show until the investigation has been completed.
The Daily Mail reported over the weekend that Channel 4 may decide to hold off plans for the show because of the restrictions the show may experience.
But senior broadcasters are said to be furious with the suggestion, with one source telling the Daily Mail: ‘This is an absolutely ridiculous state of affairs. The Gambling Commission has no right to be poking its nose into what are harmless television programmes.
‘How can anyone regard Deal Or No Deal as gambling? It is probably the most innocent show on television. I think its very telling that this programme is aired in 30 different countries but only in Britain has this become an issue.’
