Regulators have launched a crackdown on child gambling by demanding online gambling sites remove “unacceptable” adverts featuring cartoon characters likely to appeal to children. The Gambling Commission and the Advertising Standards Authority are among the signatories to a letter sent to online gambling operators that orders them to remove games promoted with characters with names such as Fluffy Favourites and Pirate Princess. Some of the games are free to play, which experts say presents a risk of children developing a gambling habit. The CAP code states that marketing communications should protect children, young people and others vulnerable to gambling from being harmed or exploited. It forbids marketing for gambling “likely to be of particular appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture”.

Source: The Guardian October 22, 2017 09:35 UTC