More Online Casino Ads Barred by Overzealous UK Agency

But what seemed to be a good idea has become an overly stringent system, as the Advertising Standards Authority has applied a very literal interpretation to block several online gambling ads.

When making the decision to allow online casinos to advertise within the UK, lawmakers were careful to set up rules to address concerns regarding problem gambling and protecting children. But what seemed to be a good idea has become an overly stringent system, as the Advertising Standards Authority has applied a very literal interpretation to block several online gambling ads.

The latest victim of the ASA is Tombola Bingo, an online bingo site. Acting on a single complaint in a nation of sixty million, the ASA decided that Tombola's traditional theme of a fairground was too appealing to children.

Tombola protested that it had consulted with government authorities in the process of designing the commercial and had been careful to stay within gambling guidelines. Still, the ASA found the ad too attractive to children.

By this level of standard, almost all ads will be in violation. Gaming sites want to advertise their products as containing fun games. To think that children are likely to want to gamble because the ad contains a fairground is like thinking the Geico gecko, a cute cartoon character, makes kids want to buy insurance.

The ASA has shown a lack of humor in previous decisions. Among other bans, one commercial featured a thrillseeker swimming with sharks in a comedic fake shark suit, only to be devoured. The ad concluded he could have found excitement at online casinos and been happy. The ASA said the commercial promoted gambling as a safe risk.