The British Advertising Standards Authority has banned an ad by Betfair saying it encourages minors to gamble. The ad shows a picture of youthful Annette Obrestad with the text, "Online experience is measured in games, not years. Join the new breed. Annette_15."

According to ASA, "By representing a successful young poker player with the implication she was 15 years old, (the ad) could encourage young people to gamble and was therefore irresponsible."

ASA also remarks that in the British law all persons depicted in gambling marketing must be over 25, and 20-year old Annette does not meet this criteria.

In their response, Betfair say they don't target their marketing at minors. Furthermore they apply technical measures to prevent minors from gambling on their site. "Ms Obrestad was featured in the ad not because of her age but because of her standing as a poker professional and champion who had had a profound effect on the game," Betfair says in a statement.

However, Betfair apologizes for the error and promises not to use Annette Obrestad in marketing material targeted at British consumers.

Source: Inthenews.