Online bingo advertisments allegedly "appeal to children", per Advertising Standards Authority

From the CAP News page:

April 1, 2009 (CAP Newswire) -- Continuing to dictate the supposed moral authority of the United Kingdom at the expense of Internet business, the U.K.’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ordered Tombola Bingo to remove two of its advertisements from circulation, a number of media sources have reported this week.

According to Bingo.org, the popular bingo site is under orders to remove its ads because of complaints issued by just one citizen -- a situation that, while seemingly unfair, is sadly not unique regarding the ASA.

“ASA maintained that the Tombola Bingo ads, which featured a funfair scene and roller coaster ride, as well as a hot air balloon and a battleship, appealed to children and youngsters and therefore went against the regulations set in place by the UK Gambling Commission,” states the article.

Tombola Bingo is arguing that the ads simply reflect its new bingo game offerings, with a fun attitude that “acted as a metaphor for the online bingo experience and which would attract new bingo players but not attract a younger audience”. Unfortunately, that argument is not likely to sway the staunchly authoritarian ASA.

Read the original report at Bingo.org here.