ReportWire

Tag: Ads

  • UK Considers Ban on Unlicensed Gambling Sponsorships in Sports

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    The British government has unveiled proposals to consult on a possible ban on sports sponsorships by unlicensed gambling operators, as part of a broader crackdown on the black market.

    Under the proposed measures, unlicensed operators could be prohibited from sponsoring UK sports teams, including Premier League clubs. Ministers are reportedly “deeply concerned” about the risks posed by the unlicensed gambling market, according to a press release issued on February 23 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The government said that unlicensed operators fail to comply with regulations intended to safeguard consumers, such as compulsory financial vulnerability checks, responsible advertising standards, and others.

    Several football clubs currently maintain partnerships and advertising deals with unlicensed operators, a situation that the DCMS has confirmed is not illegal. However, the government noted that because UK consumers could be exposed to these risky sites, there is a compelling argument for prohibiting this type of advertising altogether. 

    It could be argued that the most recent considerations are part of a broader push from UK authorities to curb black market gambling. Recently, for example, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) scrutinized Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, for allegedly not stopping illegal gambling ads.

    However, despite the UKGC’s efforts, this still may not be enough to have a significant impact on the black market, which had reportedly pocketed over GBP 100 million just on 2025’s Boxing Day alone.

    Officials Support the Decision

    Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is one of the supporters of this new proposal. According to her, fans should have confidence that the platforms they use are properly regulated and provide appropriate protections when placing a bet. She added that it was wrong for unlicensed gambling operators to sponsor some of the country’s largest football clubs, arguing that such partnerships increase the operators’ visibility and could steer supporters toward sites that fail to meet regulatory standards.

    Fiona Palmer, chief executive of GamStop Group, which helps individuals struggling with online gambling, said that any effort to stop unlicensed operators from gaining exposure through Premier League sponsorships would be a positive measure for consumer protection.

    Gambling Minister Baroness Twycross has also been a supporter of a stronger reaction to illegal gambling. She explained that the government is well aware of the real harm unregulated gambling can inflict by exploiting vulnerable individuals and leaving consumers without the protections they are entitled to. 

    Scrutiny of the gambling industry in the UK has also had an impact on legal offshore companies as well. Earlier this month, several large offshore gambling sites frequently used by UK players shifted their operations to a new licensing framework under Curaçao jurisdiction, a move that comes as campaigners, journalists, and regulators pay more attention to these sites.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Revised Partnerships Policy Halts Paid Gambling Promotion on X

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    X, the social media giant formerly known as Twitter, has quietly snuck in a major new change to its Paid Partnerships policy. The Elon Musk-owned platform just excluded gambling from its list of industries permitted to promote their product via organic collaborations, causing turmoil among operators.

    A Sudden Change in Policy

    Under the new changes to X’s paid advertising policy, gambling companies will no longer be allowed to participate in organic commercial deals, sending shockwaves across the gaming industry. This means that gambling operators will no longer be able to promote their products via arrangements with third-parties, such as brand ambassadors and affiliates, or via incentives, such as gifts and discounts.

    People familiar with the matter understood that betting brands would either need to shift into formal advertising routes that meet the social media platform’s standards or leave. Under X’s rules, violations could lead to content removal and other restrictions.

    The updated policy treats gambling-like products, such as sports betting and sweepstakes, as products in the same category as gambling. As a result, all companies within this sector will have to rethink how they approach marketing on X.

    Some Say the Regulation of Gaming Ads Is Insufficient

    The changes to X’s Paid Partnerships policy come a week after the publication of a study from the University of Sheffield, which suggested that existing regulations on gambling advertising may be inadequate. The report cited new findings, which suggest that TV ads substantially affected betting behavior during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

    With the new World Cup steadily approaching, researchers encouraged regulators to rethink their approach to regulation.

    At the same time, the British Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) published the results of a new study into the country’s gambling sector, asserting that the UK’s gambling marketing is on the decline due to regulatory difficulties.  

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Tasmania to Consider Gambling Ad Ban in State-Owned Properties

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    Independent upper house MP Meg Webb and lower house MP Kristie Johnston are advocating for a statewide ban on gambling advertising and sponsorship in all publicly owned or state-funded venues across Tasmania, Australia.

    Webb and Johnston Set Motion for Ban on Gambling Ads in State Venues

    Webb and Johnston plan to introduce the motion in parliament this month, contending that gambling advertising during sporting events has normalized betting as part of everyday life. The proposed ban would apply to signage, digital advertising, uniforms, and broadcast content at all state-owned or publicly funded venues. It would also cover future developments, such as the new Macquarie Point Stadium project, ensuring these restrictions remain in place for generations to come.

    According to local news outlet Pulse Tasmania, the proposal aligns with key recommendations from a 2023 federal parliamentary inquiry into online gambling, many of which remain unimplemented at the national level. Webb and Johnston argue that Tasmania can take independent action to adopt these recommendations, aiming to reduce public exposure to gambling promotions and associated harm while federal progress remains stalled.

    The motion also sets clear implementation timelines: if approved, agencies would have 12 months to establish and enforce the ban. Additionally, it requires the government to present a progress report to parliament after six months, detailing compliance measures, transitional arrangements, and any granted exemptions.

    The Alliance for Gambling Reform has voiced its support for the motion, describing it as a public health initiative that could set a precedent for other states. Spokesperson Mark Kempster said the overwhelming presence of gambling advertising has conditioned audiences, particularly young people, to view betting as an inherent part of sport. He added that eliminating gambling logos and sponsorships from state-funded venues and events would help de-normalize gambling culture and reduce exposure among minors.

    Webb and Johnston’s plan is one of a series of initiatives aimed at further regulating the Australian gambling scene recently. For example, last month Northern Territory crossbenchers called for overhauling Australia’s online gambling regulator, claiming the system has grown too large and powerful to function without proper oversight.

    Data Seems to Support Gambling Ads Ban

    Webb and Johnston’s plan has a high chance of succeeding if we factor in the public’s opinion. Data cited by the motion’s proponents shows strong backing for stricter regulations. National polling indicates that 75% of Australians support a complete ban on gambling advertising, with support rising to 81% for restrictions on online gambling promotions. According to a 2022 survey of AFL fans, reported by Pulse Tasmania, 79% favored removing gambling advertisements from AFL venues.

    Additional data from the Australian Gambling Research Center also sheds light on the motivations behind the proposal. It shows that around three million Australians participate in harmful gambling behaviors, with young adults aged 18 to 24 nearly twice as likely to fall into the high-risk category compared to other age groups.

    Tasmania’s parliament is expected to debate Webb and Johnston’s motion in December, with advocates describing it as a crucial test case for other states and territories.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Apple Made an Ad Featuring the Late Jane Goodall. It’s a Callback to Its Greatest Era

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    Obviously, most people know Apple as the company that makes the iPhone. That makes sense, the iPhone—after all—is the single most successful consumer product in history. It’s the reason Apple is a $3 trillion company.

    But—believe it or not—there was a time before the iPhone when Apple was known for something else. And it’s latest ad is a telling reminder of what might be its best era.

    The company’s latest ad isn’t about the iPhone. Technically, it’s about the Mac, but really, it’s about Apple and what the company wants you to think about what it stands for. And, it’s a reminder of a very different era for the company.

    The ad opens with the flicker of a cursor on a blank screen and a voice that sounds both familiar and true.

    “Every story you love, every invention that moves you, every idea you wished was yours, all began as nothing. Just a flicker on the screen asking a simple question: What do you see?”

    The voice is Jane Goodall’s.

    If you’ve followed Apple for long enough, that name already connects a few dots. Goodall was one of the people featured in Apple’s original Think Different print ad campaign in 1997—the one that marked Steve Jobs’ return to the company he co-founded and, in many ways, saved. The one that wasn’t really about computers at all, but about creativity. It was about imagination and people who “see things differently.”

    And that’s what makes this new spot, Great Ideas Start on Mac, feel like a callback to Apple’s best era—the one before the iPhone, before the trillion-dollar valuation, before Apple became the most valuable company on earth. The one when Apple’s identity wasn’t tied to growth curves or quarterly revenue, but to the artists and dreamers who used its tools to make something new.

    I have always loved that version of Apple.

    Before the iPhone, Apple’s entire story—its entire brand—revolved around creativity. It was a company for artists, designers, writers, and musicians. The Mac wasn’t just a computer—it was a tool just as much as a pencil or guitar or paintbrush. You bought one because you wanted to make something beautiful, and you believed that tools should serve creativity, not the other way around.

    Jobs made that belief central to Apple’s DNA. He often said that Apple existed at “the intersection of technology and the liberal arts,” and he meant it. He saw computers not as boxes of circuits but as something that could unlock the greatest forms of human expression.

    That’s why the Think Different campaign worked so well. It wasn’t just an ad; it was a manifesto. It told the world that Apple was for people who imagined something that didn’t exist yet. It was about what you could see that others couldn’t.

    This new ad doesn’t use those words, but it carries the same spirit. The flicker on the screen is also familiar and true. It reminds us that creativity doesn’t start with code or pixels, but with curiosity.

    There’s something poetic about Apple bringing back Goodall. She’s not a celebrity in the traditional sense. She’s a scientist, an activist, and a storyteller. Her work studying chimpanzees wasn’t just groundbreaking—it changed how we think about what it means to be human.

    That’s exactly why she was in the original Think Different campaign. She represented the kind of independent creativity and courage that Jobs seemed to admire most: the people who don’t just see the world differently, but act on it.

    In this new ad, her voice bridges the gap between Apple’s past and present. When she asks, “What do you see?” it’s a question Jobs himself might have asked. What do you see when you look at a blank page? Or an empty timeline? Or a flickering screen waiting for your next idea?

    In 1997, Apple needed to remind the world what it stood for. The company was nearly bankrupt, but the message wasn’t about survival. It was about purpose. That’s what made Think Different so powerful—it was a declaration that creativity mattered.

    This new ad feels like a reminder that it still does.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

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    Jason Aten

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  • California Turns Down the Volume on Netflix and Other Streaming Platforms

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    We’ve all been there, completely absorbed in a movie or maybe your favorite comfort TV show is lulling you to sleep, when suddenly an ad blasts in like a jump scare at what sounds like double the volume and yanks you out of the moment.

    Despite advertisers turning to cheap tricks to get your attention, a new California law aims to put an end to this annoying practice.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom signed on Monday state legislation that bans loud commercials on video streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.

    The law aims to close a loophole in the 2010 Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, which banned blaring commercials on broadcast, cable, and satellite TV. But because streaming wasn’t yet mainstream, those platforms were left out at the time. Today, about 83% of U.S. adults use streaming services.

    The new law also comes as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has said it’s been hearing from more viewers complaining about deafening ads. Back in February, the agency announced it was revisiting its decades-old rules from the CALM Act and seeking public comment on how to better protect consumers from excessively loud commercials. The FCC said complaints dropped after the rules first took effect, but in recent years they’ve started climbing up again with a “troubling jump” just last year.

    Now, the California bill requires that streamers “not transmit the audio of commercial advertisements louder than the video content they accompany.”

    “We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement.

    The bill was written by State Senator Tom Umberg, who said the idea came from one of his staffers struggling to put their baby, Samantha, to sleep because of loud commercials.

    “This bill was inspired by baby Samantha and every exhausted parent who’s finally gotten a baby to sleep, only to have a blaring streaming ad undo all that hard work,” said Umberg.

    The law faced some pushback from entertainment industry groups, which argued that streaming ads come from multiple sources, making them too difficult to control, and that the industry was already working on a fix.

    Melissa Patack, a representative of the Motion Picture Association of America, which represents companies like Netflix, Paramount, and Disney, testified during a committee hearing in June.

    “Unlike in the broadcasting cable network environment, where advertisers sell their ads directly to the networks, streaming ads come from several different sources and cannot necessarily or practically be controlled by streaming platforms,” Patack said at the time.

    Set to take effect in July 2026, the law could influence national standards, given California’s size and close connections to the entertainment industry.

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    Bruce Gil

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  • Meta plans to sell targeted ads based on data in your AI chats | TechCrunch

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    Meta announced on Wednesday that data collected from user interactions with its AI products will soon be used to sell targeted ads across its social media platforms.

    The company will update its privacy policy by December 16 to reflect the change, and will notify users in the coming days. The new policy applies globally, except for users in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, where privacy laws prevent this type of data collection.

    Meta’s core business has long relied on building detailed profiles of Facebook and Instagram users to sell hyper-targeted ads. The company offers advertisers a way to reach specific demographics and user groups. Now, Meta will also use data from conversations with its AI chatbot to build out those profiles, giving it another powerful signal to target its ads.

    The social media giant already has lots of information about its users, but Meta AI has created a rich new stream of information. The company says more than a billion people chat with Meta AI every month, and it’s common for users to hold long, detailed conversations with the AI chatbot. So far, Meta has largely given away its AI products for free, but now the company can improve its valuable ad products based on the data it collects.

    If a user chats with Meta AI about hiking, for example, the company may show ads for hiking gear. However, Meta spokesperson Emil Vazquez tells TechCrunch that the privacy update is broader than just Meta AI, and applies to the company’s other AI offerings.

    That means Meta may use data from AI features in its Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses — including voice recordings, pictures, and videos analyzed with AI — to further target its ad products. Meta may also use data from its new AI-video feed, Vibes, and its AI image generation product, Imagine.

    Conversations with Meta AI will only influence ads on Facebook and Instagram if a user is logged into the same account across products.

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    There is no way to opt out, according to Meta.

    The privacy changes are another reminder that free products from Big Tech companies often come with strings attached. Many tech companies already use AI interactions to train their models. Meta, for instance, trains on voice recordings, photos, and videos analyzed through Meta AI on its smart glasses. Now it will also feed that data into its ad machine.

    In a briefing with reporters, Meta privacy policy manager Christy Harris said the company is still in the process of building out systems that will use AI interactions to improve its ad products. However, the company says user conversations with AI around sensitive topics — including religious views, sexual orientation, political views, health, racial or ethnic origin, philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership — will not be used to show them ads.

    Tech companies are starting to test out ways to monetize AI products, most of which are free today. On Monday, OpenAI unveiled a way to purchase products in ChatGPT, where the company will take a cut of transactions completed in the app. Earlier this year, Google revealed plans for how it would introduce ads into its AI-powered search product, called AI Mode.

    Meta says the company has “no plans imminently” to put ads in its AI products, though CEO Mark Zuckerberg has suggested they may be coming in the future.

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    Maxwell Zeff

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  • What Is YouTube Premium Lite—and Should You Subscribe to It?

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    YouTube doesn’t charge a cent for hosting all of your uploaded videos, showing them to the wider world, or letting you spend all day streaming content made by others. What it does do is show you a whole lot of advertising in an attempt to make back some of its data storage costs—which, based on the flood of ads we all have to endure, are presumably astronomical.

    By subscribing to YouTube Premium and now YouTube Premium Lite, you can remove those ads for good, across all your devices. As the cheaper option, the Lite package may seem like the best deal, and it will be for some.

    Here’s how much you have to pay for YouTube Premium Lite, and what you get in return.

    YouTube Premium Lite: Costs and Features

    You’ll still see ads on music videos with YouTube Premium Lite.Courtesy of David Nield

    If you’re prepared to add yet another digital subscription to your monthly outgoings, YouTube Premium Lite will set you back $8 a month. There’s no way to pay annually to get a discount overall, and there’s no family plan where you can spread the benefits to other people—two options you do have with the full version of YouTube Premium.

    YouTube Premium Lite has one feature: It removes the ads on most YouTube videos, wherever you’re watching them (from your phone to your TV). You’ll still see ads on music videos, on YouTube Shorts, and when you search for videos on YouTube—but all ad types on other content will disappear.

    Your subscription will be linked to your Google account, so it works wherever you’re signed in, and it includes YouTube Kids content as well. As it’s a monthly subscription, you can cancel at any time, and then subscribe again at any time. You can also upgrade at any time to the full YouTube Premium, of which we’ll learn more in a moment.

    YouTube Premium Lite: Should You Subscribe?

    The plan removes ads on most videos across all your devices.

    The plan removes ads on most videos across all your devices.Courtesy of David Nield

    A lot of us are now juggling multiple digital subscriptions for everything from cloud storage to AI chatbots, and it’s understandable if you’re not keen on the thought of adding extra expense on top, especially for an app and platform that you can already access free of charge.

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    David Nield

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  • ASA Under Fire over Failure to Act on Gambling Content Marketing

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    The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) faces renewed scrutiny from Peers for Gambling Reform (PGR), which has accused the watchdog of failing to tackle gambling advertising on social media. In a scathing letter sent to ministers and regulators on 11 September, the group accused the ASA of repeatedly delaying action on “content marketing.” This online promotional activity aims to engage a broader audience without appearing as traditional advertising.

    Content Marketing Skirts Current Advertising Regulations

    The PGR, a cross-party group with more than 150 members of the House of Lords under its umbrella, noted that gambling operators were increasingly promoting their brands via shareable memes, jokes, and viral video clips, often visible to young people. According to research from the University of Bristol, content marketing appeals to under-18s four times more than to adults. 

    A weekend snapshot last year showed the ten largest operators generated over 20 million views through content marketing. According to Lord Foster of Bath, chair of PGR, the ASA has continuously failed to act despite researchers and campaigners raising alarms since 2019. Lord Foster also drew attention to studies revealing how early exposure to gambling can lead to long-term harm.

    Children and young people remain exposed to forms of gambling advertising that… are especially harmful, and that the regulator has consistently failed to address.

    PGR letter

    The letter also highlighted the ASA’s admission that, until recently, it considered much of this material to be outside its remit because operators posting the content were registered overseas. While the authority reversed its position in 2022, the PGR says the regulator’s approach has remained inconsistent, with many posts still escaping scrutiny.

    The ASA Pledged to Expand Its Enforcement

    PGR is calling for all gambling-related social media posts to carry a prominent “Advertising” label, allowing users to identify promotional materials more clearly. The group has also called on ministers to consider a complete ban on gambling content marketing, arguing that it normalizes betting culture among children and could undermine existing protection efforts.

    In response, the ASA stated that it considers child protection a core facet of its operations. A watchdog spokesperson drew attention to the extension of the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code, expanding its scope to cover even more online content. According to the ASA, this move would give it greater room to tackle potentially irresponsible gambling ads.

    Critics, however, argue that this update has come too late, after years of exposure of young audiences to unlabelled and potentially harmful material. With the government white paper promising to toughen standards throughout the industry, campaigners argue that urgent action is now required to close what they see as one of the most glaring loopholes in advertising regulation.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Online Gambling Ads Linked to Harmful Gambling Habits, Finnish Study Finds

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    A study titled “The Impact of Gambling Advertising Online: A Longitudinal Study on Exposure and Harm” surveyed 1,530 Finnish adults aged 18 to 75 between 2021 and 2024 and found that online gambling advertisements are linked to increased problem gambling and financial harm.

    Study Says Majority of People Are Exposed to Gambling Ads

    The study used the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) to assess the extent of gambling-related harm among participants. According to the study, approximately 75% of respondents reported seeing online gambling advertisements in the past 18 months, with over 80% of men encountering such marketing. Those who gamble on offshore platforms were found to be more frequently exposed to online gambling ads and tended to experience more severe gambling-related issues.

    It was also found that exposure to online gambling advertising significantly increases the likelihood of individuals facing debt enforcement, with offshore gamblers particularly at risk. The study also revealed that problem gambling is more common among younger adults, especially those aged 18–24 and 25–34, who scored five or higher on the PGSI. In contrast, only 2% of participants aged 65 to 75 were classified as problem gamblers.

    What Else Do the Authors Say?

    The study also notes that the rising prevalence of gambling-related harm is becoming an increasing concern, with recent research indicating that many individuals face financial difficulties, addiction, and psychological distress due to gambling. Gambling remains a common leisure activity, as according to a recent systematic review and meta-analysis, 46.2% of adults and 17.9% of adolescents worldwide had gambled in the past year. Among adults, 8.7% were identified as engaging in risky gambling, and 1.41% met the criteria for problematic gambling. However, the level of harm varies depending on the type of gambling, with some forms posing greater risks than others.

    According to the study, frequent gambling, especially monthly activity on offshore platforms, was linked to increased exposure to online gambling advertisements. This underscores the unregulated nature of offshore gambling, where players are subjected to advertising that falls outside the scope of domestic oversight.

    The authors of the study argue that existing regulations have had only a “limited impact” on offshore gambling operators, even though these sites present a greater risk to gamblers. It recommends that policy measures should involve tighter restrictions on gambling advertising and increased investment in prevention and treatment services to address gambling-related harm more effectively. Additionally, the authors challenge the claim made by gambling operators that strict regulations diminish the appeal of regulated gambling services and push players toward unregulated or black-market alternatives.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • The Harris/Walz campaign has its own Fortnite map

    The Harris/Walz campaign has its own Fortnite map

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    We’re in the final stretch of the 2024 presidential election and both sides are pulling out all the stops to get those all-important undecided voters. The Harris/Walz campaign is exploring an unconventional option: a map in Epic Games’ mega online multiplayer hit Fortnite.

    The “Freedom Town, USA” map available at 7331-5536-6547 is a little different from the usual Fortnite matches. Forbes senior contributor Paul Tassi played the new map and reported that there aren’t any guns in Freedom Town (probably for obvious reasons). Instead, the game focuses on racing with cars and parkour style. The map also has some campaign signs and decorations for Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz’s presidential run.

    Video games have become a cornerstone of the Harris/Walz campaign. Harris’ camp has its own Twitch page that’s been broadcasting games like World of Warcraft and the latest Madden title as a way to spark discussions with the voting public. The Fortnite map, however, doesn’t look like it’s doing a great job of getting the message out to players. As of this story’s publishing, the map only has less than 300 active players.

    Political ads and recruitment in video games isn’t just limited to this campaign cycle. Then-candidate Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign introduced the concept to politics when they purchased ads in 18 games including Need for Speed: Carbon and Madden NFL 13 on Microsoft’s Xbox Live service and the mobile version of Tetris, according to NPR.

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    Danny Gallagher

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  • PointsBet Is Not Concerned About Changes to Ad Regulations

    PointsBet Is Not Concerned About Changes to Ad Regulations

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    Gambling operator PointsBet is optimistic about its business in Australia despite the country’s mulled gambling ad restrictions. The company is certain that its business is in a position where it would be more or less unaffected by such a change.

    For context, the country is considering proposals to ban or at least significantly limit gambling ads. One of the latest proposals outlines a cap of no more than two ads per hour until 10 pm.

    In the meantime, activists continue to promote a complete blanket ban on gambling ads, arguing that this would be the only way to shield younger Australians from the dangers of the gambling industry.

    Some have argued that a ban would hurt the free-to-air TV sector but others claim that a cap would satisfy no one as it would still hurt the gaming market without fulfilling anti-gambling activists’ objectives.

    PointsBet Is in a Good Position, CEO Swanell Says

    In an analyst call following the recent publication of the company’s Q4 results, CEO Sam Swanell believes that PointsBet could shake off any ad-related setback thanks to its significant presence in Australia.

    Swanell was firm that PointsBet’s FY 2025 results will not be impacted by any change to gambling advertising. However, he added that this is based on the assumption that his company continues to spend as usual.

    Speaking of spending, Swanell noted that ad restrictions could even help his company save up on costs.

    PointsBet Published Its FY 2024 Report

    As mentioned, PointsBet just published its report for the fiscal year, highlighting a 17% increase in group net revenue to AUD 245.5 million. In addition, the company reported a normalized EBITDA of AUD 47.2 million, marking a significant improvement from the EBITDA loss of AUD 49 million recorded the previous year.

    The company’s marketing expenses for FY 2024 stood at AUD 71 million, marking a year-on-year decrease of 21%. Operating expenses, on the other hand, were down to AUD 10.3 million.

    The period saw PointsBet sell its US assets to Fanatics, allowing it to focus on its core business in Australia. In addition to that, the company completed an AUD 442.4 million capital return to shareholders.

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    Fiona Simmons

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  • Social Media Ads Make Skin Gambling Skyrocket

    Social Media Ads Make Skin Gambling Skyrocket

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    According to a Barron investigation completed with the help of web traffic analytics firm Similarweb, in the past three years, a whopping number of 27 overseas gambling platforms have spent around $28 million on Google Search ads alone to attract 56 million visitors in total. 

    The problem is most of these operators that recruited customers using paid ads on Facebook, Google, and Amazon-owned Twitch did not have a license and were in violation of Big Tech regulations, putting minors at risk while allegedly violating the terms of service for each of these platforms. 

    Skin Gambling Ads

    The platforms promoted skin gambling, a form of gambling in the legal gray area that allows players to use virtual goods (in-game items known as “skins”) as virtual currency to bet on the outcome of games of chance. 

    The sites relied on the iconic Counter-Strike (CS) game to allow players to use skins as gambling currency

    Since the skins won as prizes can bring thousands of dollars in marketplaces from third parties, the stakes and the associated risks are as real as possible, especially when it comes to minors.

    Minors, More Vulnerable to the Effects of Gambling & Ads 

    According to the International Gaming Research Unit at Nottingham Trent University’s director and professor of behavioral addiction, Mark Griffiths, minors “are more vulnerable to the effects of both gambling and gambling advertising.” 

    As explained by Rob Minnick, a gambling counselor who makes popular gambling addiction videos on TikTok, some of today’s social media ads introduce children to gambling “years ahead of where they otherwise would have found it if it wasn’t advertised to them.” 

    Minnick reinforced his statement saying that simply “being an adolescent in and of itself is a risk factor” of developing a gambling problem. 

    Big Tech Platforms’ Rules for Skin Gambling

    In the US, Google does not allow “advertising for internet-based games where money or other items of value are paid or wagered to win a greater sum of money or other item of value.”

    Once online “activities involved constitute gambling, including when they involve skins, our gambling policies apply,” said a Google spokesperson.

    Meta Platforms regulations say ads promoting online gambling and gaming are only allowed with their “prior written permission.”

    Twitch explained skin gambling based on the CS game as well as “any promotion or sponsorship of skins gambling—is not allowed.”

    Despite these strict policies, skin gambling ads continue to expand. While Barron offered examples found during the investigation at Google and Amazon’s request, most of the respective gambling platforms continue to actively advertise there. 

    While Meta Platforms decided to disable several ads following the same inquiries, it only took a few days for them to be brought back to the library.

    Big Money Involved

    One explanation could be the large amount of money pumped into these ads. For example, Singapore-based online casino Hellcase used a series of Facebook and Instagram ads, pumped millions in Google Search campaigns and spent a lot of money on YouTube influencers to reach millions of potential customers.

    Google alone has accepted around $5 million from the online casino in exchange for an estimated eight million users reaching the platform. 

    Hellcase’s main problem is that it does not provide the mandatory age verification procedure for users needed when advertising gambling-like activity.

    Similar issues are reported in other parts of the world. 

    CSGORoll Ads in Australia

    According to the Australian Communications and Media Authority’s (ACMA) chair Nerida O’Loughlin, “Skins gambling services are particularly concerning as they tap into a youth market and have the potential to convert gamers into gamblers.”

    In May 2023, ACMA acted against skin gambling site CSGORoll, punishing it for “contravening” the country’s gambling laws by enabling users to deposit CS skins “in exchange for in-game coins” available for gambling on “casino-style games.”

    In the year that followed the regulatory decision, Google kept serving ads for CSGORoll to Australians, as per the company’s Ads Transparency Center, a tool that showcases active and past ads published via Google.

    In June, a Google spokesperson informed Barron’s that the ad account for CSGORoll’s parent company was “no longer active” with them as a result of the “appropriate enforcement action” taken earlier.

    Nonetheless, the ads transparency tool keeps showing active ads for CSGORoll in the country. 

    In early July, the CSGORoll ads vanished from Australia. However, ads that are directing users to CSGORoll’s platform are still active for US users.

    Similarweb estimates the site spent $2.4 million on Google Search ads at a global level in the first half of the current year. 

    Google explains gambling ads are allowed in Australia and other countries “as long as the advertiser is a licensed operator” that can provide a valid license.

    CSGORoll does not display any proof of license on its site. In fact, of the 27 assessed operators advertising via Google, only four provided proof of a gambling license issued by their governments. 

    Neither of them has issued warnings regarding the dangers of gambling, which is another mandatory requirement to be allowed to advertise gambling on Google’s platforms.

    In June, the Swedish Gaming Authority banned four online gambling operators for providing games without a license. Two of them were skin gambling operators. 

    At the start of the year, we reported on data from a study exploring the functioning of three popular Chinese skin gambling companies that kept flourishing despite legal constraints. 

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    Melanie Porter

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  • Brazil Enhances Gambling Advertisement Regulations

    Brazil Enhances Gambling Advertisement Regulations

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    The Brazilian government has published new rules and provisions governing how fixed-odds betting businesses advertise their products, specifically concerning the use of social media influencers. The new requirements were introduced via Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1,231/2024 and represent another vital milestone in Brazil’s efforts to modernize its gambling market.

    Regulations Reflect Evolving Market Realities

    The new regulatory framework imposes strict accountability on betting companies for any abusive or misleading advertising carried out by influencers they hire. This move aims to curb deceptive promotions and ensure all advertisements reflect responsible gambling practices. The updated law explicitly forbids advertising or sponsoring sports events by companies without proper authorization.

    Betting Companies will be responsible for any misleading or abusive advertisement by social media influencers that they have procured. Promotions should be transparent and honest, without misleading claims that gambling provides an easy way to riches. Violations can result in severe penalties for offending operators and, in extreme cases, may cost a company its license.

    While the new law prohibits sign-up bonuses, actions promoting bettor loyalty are allowed. The ordinance did not specify what these represent, leaving some room for speculation. The Brazilian government aims to balance stakeholder interests with safe gambling measures, protecting consumers while giving the industry ample room to grow.

    Brazil Remains Confident in Its Reforms

    These updates are part of Brazil’s efforts to foster adequate player safety. The country will require operators to monitor bettors’ activities and provide alerts if problematic behavior is detected. Users can also benefit from robust self-exclusion measures, limiting their connection time and betting amounts, suspending their accounts, or even permanently suspending their access.

    Ministry of Finance secretary of prizes and bets Régis Dudena emphasized the importance of these new measures. He was adamant that these updates were necessary to ensure operators would be fully accountable for potential violations following the gambling market’s planned 1 January 2025 launch. This update represents the final set of regulations, giving companies sufficient time to prepare.

    We have established clear advertising restrictions. Any misleading advertising can result in severe penalties for bookmakers.

    Régis Dudena, Brazil Ministry of Finance Secretary of prizes and bets

    The Ministry of Finance will maintain a list of authorized fixed-odds betting companies on its website, containing their respective web addresses. All licensed betting websites must use the domain “.bet.br,” providing consumers an additional layer of verification and trust. As the official launch approaches, all eyes will be on Brazil as the country hopes to justify the high expectations of stakeholders and consumers.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Gambling Santa Break ASAI Code

    Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout and Gambling Santa Break ASAI Code

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    A social media advert for former multi-weight Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion Conor McGregor‘s Forged Irish Stout has received a complaint over sexualised content and it was upheld by the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI). 

    A gambling ad poster displaying Santa Claus sitting next to a slot machine in a casino also fell short of the same advertising standards. 

    These were just two of the total 18 recent complaints upheld by the ASAI recently, as they breached its Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in the country.

    Let’s take a closer look at what these ads displayed.

    McGregor’s Ad Allegeedy “Objectified Female Models”

    Last month, the Irish professional mixed martial artist and the first UFC fighter to simultaneously hold UFC Championships in both Lightweight and Featherweight classes became online casino 88Malaysia’s brand ambassador

    However, McGregor is now in the news because of an Instagram reel advertising Forged Irish Stout Distribution, the icon’s brewery that turned into “Ireland’s biggest independent brewery brewed by Master Brewer Peter Mosley – Peter.” 

    The venture that introduced its “beautifully hand-crafted stout with hints of chocolate and coffee roasted notes” carrying the icon’s signature to the United States last October following its launch in Ireland apparently showed what was deemed a “sexually suggestive” ad.

    The ad showcased several female models wearing “cropped tops and high-leg hotpants” while drinking pints of the famous stout and striking poses next to a car and a person dressed up as a can of Forged Stout.

    The complaint that was registered with the ASAI said the advertisement contained sexualized content.

    The ASAI committee agreed, mentioning that the ad put “significant emphasis” on the models’ “cleavage and bottoms” using various camera angles.

    Moreover, the manner in which the models were shown in the ad was described as “sexually suggestive” and even objectifying at times. 

    The ASAI called it “an irresponsible manner in which to depict women.”

    Santa Claus Gambling Ad Potentially Targeting Minors 

    The ASAI also received complaints regarding Jesters Casino’s poster displaying the image of Santa Claus next to a slot machine inside the venue. 

    The gambling ad fell short of advertising standards as it was deemed to be targeting children since it features a particularly appealing character.

    The casino promptly removed the ad once it was officially informed of the complaints.

    Alcohol, Milk, and Jeans Ads That Broke the ASAI Code

    Sixteen other ads apparently breached the same ad regulations from the ASAI. One of them was a radio ad for Ireland’s leading convenience retail group counting 480 stores all around the country, Centra

    The ad stated its “enjoy alcohol sensibly” disclaimer too fast. The ASAI has asked advertisers to pay close attention when making disclaimers and responsibility messages around alcohol ads. 

    A similar alcohol-related ad in breach of the same code referred to a post featuring The Newpark Hotel’s cocktail, which failed to include the necessary responsibility message.

    Other complaints revolved around the marketing of Zalando’s discount codes for a pair of jeans, an ad for a school claiming to feature “Ireland’s Best Teachers,” an ad that claimed the AA offered “unlimited” windscreen cover, MoveHome.ie ads claiming a certain house in the Glasnevin region was only a 28-minute walk from Dublin’s city center, several milk ads, and one ad by Bourke Builders for a commercial property with inexistent advertised premises.

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    Melanie Porter

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  • Google Taps AI to Show Shoppers How Clothes Fit Different Bodies

    Google Taps AI to Show Shoppers How Clothes Fit Different Bodies

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    One of the new ad formats Google announced today will allow brands to link short-form videos they made—or ones they hired creators to film—to their advertisements in Google’s search engine. AI-generated text summaries of the clips will be included below. “I’ve got three Gen Z-ers at home, and watching them shop, it’s very video-based,” said Madrigal.

    Google also launched a tool that allows companies to create entirely new, AI-generated product images based on photos from earlier marketing campaigns and pictures that represent their brand identity. For example, a home goods brand could upload a picture of one of its candles and an image of a beach, then ask Google to “put the candle on a beach that looks like this one under some palm trees.”

    Shannon Smyth, the founder of a perfume and body-care company called A Girl’s Gotta Spa, said she began using Google’s AI image tools last year when the company first began rolling them out as part of software called Product Studio. Initially, Google only allowed merchants to swap the backgrounds on existing product photos and make small tweaks, like increasing the resolution.

    “It coincided with struggling to keep up on our social channels with professional-looking photography, and as finances became more strapped I decided to give it a try,” Smyth says. She uses it to generate images for use on social media, in an email newsletter, and on her Amazon store. (Google put Smyth in touch with WIRED to discuss her experiences with its AI products.)

    Smyth said Google’s AI tools save time and have gotten better as she has continued using them. “I admit, I was frustrated at first if it would generate images without shadows or reflections, or have an unidentifiable object in the photo,” she explained. “I’ve found that as I give feedback on every image, those issues begin to get resolved.”

    Google is trying to help advertisers create compelling imagery without needing to spend as much of their time and budget on graphic designers, photographers, set designers, and models. That may not be good news for those workers, and if the product images aren’t accurate, shoppers could be left disappointed. But Google hopes AI imagery will make ads more engaging and draw more clicks—boosting its revenue.

    Yet the company and its competitors may also be simply helping retailers avoid paying for expensive software like Photoshop or spending so much on creative services. It’s not clear how many customers will necessarily feel compelled to advertise more. Smyth said her company doesn’t purchase ads on Google, despite how much she appreciates Product Studio.

    AI-generated advertising is increasingly becoming a fixture of the internet. Earlier this month, Meta began giving advertisers on Facebook and Instagram the ability to generate new versions of existing product photos using AI, after previously offering just AI-generated backgrounds. Meta and Google also allow advertisers to generate marketing copy for their ads.

    Amazon announced a similar beta image-generation tool last fall that can also create backgrounds for product photos. Instead of advertising a garden hose against a plain white backdrop, it allows brands to create, say, a scene of a backyard with a garden and trees—no actual dirt required.

    The looming question is whether consumers will find AI-generated ads off-putting, if they notice them in the first place. Some fashion brands, including Levi’s and the dressmaker Selkie, have faced backlash from customers after they announced they were experimenting with artificial intelligence. But for many smaller ecommerce companies, the potential benefits of using AI may outweigh the risks.

    “Let’s face it, small businesses are crumbling like a house of cards. We’re barely hanging on,” said Smyth. “It has helped me to stay top of mind to customers and potential customers visually. I’m pretty confident my aesthetic would’ve tanked or I would’ve abandoned many social channels without it as an option.”

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    Louise Matsakis

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  • Google prohibits ads promoting websites and apps that generate deepfake porn

    Google prohibits ads promoting websites and apps that generate deepfake porn

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    Google has updated its Inappropriate Content Policy to include language that expressly prohibits advertisers from promoting websites and services that generate deepfake pornography. While the company already has strong restrictions in place for ads that feature certain types of sexual content, this update leaves no doubt that promoting “synthetic content that has been altered or generated to be sexually explicit or contain nudity” is in violation of its rules.

    Any advertiser promoting sites or apps that generate deepfake porn, that show instructions on how to create deepfake porn and that endorse or compare various deepfake porn services will be suspended without warning. They will no longer be able to publish their ads on Google, as well. The company will start implementing this rule on May 30 and is giving advertisers the chance to remove any ad in violation of the new policy. As 404 Media notes, the rise of deepfake technologies has led to an increasing number of ads promoting tools that specifically target users wanting to create sexually explicit materials. Some of those tools reportedly even pretend to be wholesome services to be able to get listed on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, but it’s masks off on social media where they promote their ability to generate manipulated porn.

    Google has, however, already started prohibiting services that create sexually explicit deepfakes in Shopping ads. Similar to its upcoming wider policy, the company has banned Shopping ads for services that “generate, distribute, or store synthetic sexually explicit content or synthetic content containing nudity. ” Those include deepfake porn tutorials and pages that advertise deepfake porn generators.

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    Mariella Moon

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  • Swedish Scratch Card Game Trisskrapet Draws Controversy

    Swedish Scratch Card Game Trisskrapet Draws Controversy

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    The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling (BOS) has backed the Swedish Consumer Agency’s (KV) and the Consumer Ombudsman’s (KO) evaluation regarding the daily scratch card commercial “Trisskrapet” featured on TV4. The consensus is that the segment should be recognized as advertising rather than an editorial feature, marking a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding the program.

    Most Industry Stakeholders Reached a Consensus

    “Trisskrapet” has long been a prominent feature on TV4 Nyhetsmorgon, offering viewers the chance to participate in scratch card activities with the potential to win substantial prizes. However, questions arose regarding the segment’s classification, prompting scrutiny from regulatory authorities. This case has caused concern among industry stakeholders who fear that improper categorization could cause gambling harm.

    A recent Supreme Court ruling agreed with points raised by the Swedish Consumer Agency, affirming the importance of transparency in distinguishing advertising content. Gunnar Wikström, litigation counsel at the Swedish Consumer Agency, expressed relief at the ruling, emphasizing the significance of accurately identifying advertising to ensure robust consumer protection measures.

    We are relieved by the Supreme Court’s ruling because a prohibition would have had devastating consequences for the authority’s ability to review companies’ marketing.

    Gunnar Wikström, Swedish Consumer Agency litigation counsel

    BOS echoed the sentiments of KV and the KO, highlighting the importance of clarity in distinguishing between advertising and editorial content. Gustaf Hoffstedt, representing BOS, stressed that consumer protection lies at the core of the gambling industry’s integrity. Clear identification of advertising content is essential to prevent any confusion among viewers and ensure a safe gambling environment.

    Svenska Spel Must Abide by Strict Advertising Standards

    The association urged Svenska Spel, the operator behind “Trisskrapet,” to adhere to advertising regulations promptly. Failure to comply with the provisions outlined in the Marketing Act and the Gambling Act could jeopardize consumer trust and undermine efforts to foster a secure gambling environment. Such measures align with Sweden’s mission to be a global leader in customer safety.

    BOS called upon the KO to enforce mandatory consumer protection labeling for “Trisskrapet,” emphasizing the urgency of implementing stringent measures to safeguard consumers. The absence of such labeling could compromise the integrity of the gambling market and hinder efforts to promote responsible gambling practices in an increasingly complex regulatory environment.

    Every day and every “Trisskrapet” that does not contain the mandatory consumer protection label is another lost day for a safe and secure gambling market.

    Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS general secretary

    Moving forward, Svenska Spel must prioritize compliance with advertising regulations while authorities remain vigilant in upholding consumer protection standards. The resolution of the “Trisskrapet” controversy underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in gambling advertising, ensuring that consumers can make informed decisions in a regulated environment.

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    Deyan Dimitrov

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  • Ireland: Lawmakers Consider Exception for Ads by Gambling Charities

    Ireland: Lawmakers Consider Exception for Ads by Gambling Charities

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    Similarly to the overhaul of the gambling sector in Great Britain, lawmakers in Ireland are considering significant changes to the gambling regulations. The review of the 2022 Gambling Regulation Bill is expected to protect consumers, while establishing strict rules related to gambling advertising and inducements that licensed casinos and sports betting operators may offer.

    Wednesday marks the final stop of the proposed legislation with Dáil Éireann, the country’s lower house, before the bill arrives at the Seanad for additional assessment. In light of this, lawmakers are currently debating changes related to the gambling regulation.

    One of the changes, supported by James Browne, the Minister of State, involves the exclusion of certain organizations from the controversial gambling advertising blanket ban proposed as a part of the country’s new gambling laws. He proposes charities or other gambling organizations that advertise “for a charitable or philanthropic purpose” to be excluded from the advertising ban, as announced by The Irish Times.

    The change from the initially proposed blanket ban came after lawmakers and representatives of the gambling and racing industry raised their concerns about the impact of such drastic restrictions. Moreover, broadcasters such as Racing TV for example, also sounded the alarm about the potential detrimental impact a blanket gambling advertising ban may have on the sector.

    Earlier this month, the operator that offers bettors options for wagers on national lottery results, rather than engaging in the draws themselves, Lottoland, revealed its concerns, explaining that despite addressing a number of issues in a letter to the Minister, Browne is yet to sit down for a discussion with the company.

    Irish Gambling Charities Continue Their Noble Work

    GamblingCare, a service funded and administered by the independent charity that focuses on research, education and treatment for people affected by problem gambling in Ireland, the Gambling Awareness Trust, released a comprehensive report about its services provided throughout 2023 late last month.

    In its report, GamblingCare revealed that last year, it provided 5,971 counseling sessions, recording a significant uptick considering the 4,230 figure recorded in 2022. During last year, the charity also recorded an exponential growth in the traffic for its website which increased from 14,000 in 2022 to nearly 103,000 in 2023.

    Data about the spending on advertising and promotion of services by GamblingCare was not immediately available.

    Still, if the lawmakers agree on the proposed changes, groups such as GamblingCare and Gamblers Anonymous Ireland, among other charitable organizations, may be exempt from the initially proposed blanket gambling advertising ban.

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    Jerome García

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  • Microsoft’s Windows 11 beta testers may start seeing ads in the Start menu

    Microsoft’s Windows 11 beta testers may start seeing ads in the Start menu

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    Microsoft is exploring the idea of putting ads in your Windows 11 Start menu. To be specific, it’s looking to place advertisements for apps you can find in the Microsoft Store in the menu’s recommended section. I could hear you sighing in defeat if you’ve used Windows 10 extensively before — the older OS serves ads in the Start menu, as well, and they’re also for apps you can download. At the moment, Microsoft will only show ads in this version if you’re in the US and a Windows Insider in the Beta Channel. You won’t be seeing them if you’re not a beta tester or if you’re using a device managed by an organization.

    Further, you can disable the advertisements altogether. To do so, just go to Personalization under Settings and then toggle off “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more” in the Start section. Like any other Microsoft experiment, it may never reach wider rollout, but you may want to remember the aforementioned steps, since the company does have history of incorporating ads into its desktop platforms. Last year, Microsoft also deployed experimental promo spots for its services like OneDrive in the menu that pops up when you click on your profile photo.

    A screenshot of the Windows 11 start menu showing an advertisement for 1Password.

    Microsoft

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    Mariella Moon

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  • Gambler Who Started Playing at Age 8 Wants Stricter Ad Rules

    Gambler Who Started Playing at Age 8 Wants Stricter Ad Rules

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    A 33 man from Rotherham who was first introduced to gambling when he was eight years old during a family holiday, has asked for stricter regulations concerning gambling advertisements.

    As presented by the BBC, the man, who reportedly had his first encounter with fruit machines and penny slots at a seaside amusement arcade when he was a child, also issued warnings on the potential cost of living crisis that could trigger widespread issues for players at the start of the year. 

    Harmless Fun Turned Into Serious Addiction 

    Over the course of the next two decades, what started as a seemingly innocent harness fun time at the arcades became a serious problem for the former player. 

    As he got older, he began asking his family members to place bets for him before he could personally visit fixed-odds betting terminals when he turned 18.

    His new habit of repeatedly placing bets of hundreds of pounds eventually started leading to trouble, spiraling into overdose and homelessness issues.

    In 2018, the man, who is now a lorry driver, managed to give up his addictive gambling habit, expressing feelings of “content” following the state of “absolute chaos” that he was in. 

    “I Saw It As a Warm and Safe Environment”

    Speaking about the way his addiction started, the ex-player explained he was “immediately” lured in by the “bright lights of the arcades, the sounds of the machines and the coins dropping.” He added that he regarded the arcades as “a warm and safe environment.”

    Throughout his “gambling career,” he estimates that he lost over £100,000 ($124,600) and he continues to owe around £30,000 ($37,000).

    At the moment, he is incapable of getting a mortgage loan or a mobile phone contract. 

    While emphasizing the financial implications gambling can potentially trigger in the long run, the former addict also spoke about the time he lost “when he was not present.”

    The Turning Point 

    Six years ago, the man reached his turning point when he believed he had three critical choices left: go to prison, take his own life, or give up gambling.

    He explained he was “just so tired and fed up and knew deep down, it was time” to let go. 

    His wife was also affected by his addiction, suffering a mental breakdown because of his gambling, which he considered was one of his lowest points.

    He decided to ask for support from the National Gambling Helpline which he described as “lovely and non-judgemental.” While recovery happened gradually, sometimes occurring minutes at a time,“ at the moment, the former player says he is “in a good place.”

    The Need for Better Education for Parents 

    Gambling With Lives, a charity in the UK, speaks about approximately 500 suicides connected to gambling-related issues each year in England, as well as 80,000 children who are at risk, or already suffering from gambling addiction.

    The ex-gambler himself has a three-year-old daughter. While he does not blame his parents or the adults in his life for allowing him to gamble from a young age, he does acknowledge that gambling was “normalized” around him.

    For this reason, he is asking for better education for parents concerning the potential perils of gambling, along with stricter sets of rules regarding gambling advertising.

    The former player also hopes his life story will be used as a warning for the next generation regarding the potential harm of gambling, with hopes to one day make a documentary.

    Recently, a Bristol University on social media gambling advertisements has asked for a series of regulatory changes in the UK.

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    Melanie Porter

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