Gambling ad banned for appearing in self exclusion searches

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned advertisements by Optival that target or fail to exclude individuals searching for self-exclusion or trying to stop gambling. A paid-for search ad for bestbookiesandbettingsites.co.uk, seen on 10 August, following a search for “self exclusion bookies”. Text stated “Top 15 Betting Sites UK – Compare the Best UK Bookmakers … Claim your Exclusive First Bet Bonus for your Next UK Betting Account. Discover the Best Welcome Bonus Offers by UK’s Top Online Sports Betting Brands for 2025!”. The complainant challenged whether the ad was irresponsibly targeted.