Online gambling operators told to remove ads appealing to children

Online gambling operators have received official warning that adverts featuring images which would be attractive to under 18s are "unacceptable" and that they could face sanctions if they are not removed.

The letter, signed jointly by the chief executives of the Gambling Commission, Advertising Standards Authority, Committee of Advertising Practice and Remote Gambling Association, follows a number of recent press reports on the subject.

The four bodies have written to operators to advise them to "amend or remove immediately" any adverts that were likely to appeal particularly to people aged 17 or younger and were generally available.