Recently, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) in the United Kingdom has ruled that a Ladbrokes advertisement featuring YouTube star Jake Paul was in breach of their advertising standards. The advertisement featured Jake Paul promoting the Ladbrokes sports betting app and encouraging viewers to “bet responsibly”.

The ASA received a complaint from a viewer who argued that the advertisement was irresponsible as it was likely to be seen by children and young people who are particularly vulnerable to gambling-related harm. The ASA agreed with the complaint and ruled that the advertisement must not be broadcast again in its current form.

The ASA noted that the advertisement did not include any information about the risks associated with gambling, or any advice on how to gamble responsibly. They also noted that Jake Paul’s celebrity status meant that the advertisement was likely to be particularly appealing to children and young people.

The ASA’s ruling is a reminder to all advertisers that they must ensure their advertisements are appropriate for their intended audience and include information about the risks associated with gambling. It is also important for advertisers to ensure that any celebrities they use in their advertisements are appropriate for the product or service being promoted.

The ruling is a victory for those who are concerned about the potential harms associated with gambling, particularly among young people. It is hoped that this ruling will encourage other advertisers to take greater responsibility when it comes to promoting gambling products and services.