UK Regulator Bans Betting Ads Featuring Kane and Haaland
The UK Advertising Standards Authority banned 2 Instagram betting promotions by Oddschecker featuring Harry Kane and Erling Haaland, calling them irresponsible due to their strong appeal to under 18 audiences. The posts highlighted Ballon d’Or and World Cup betting trends.
However, a separate Thierry Henry betting promotion by Betway was cleared because the former Arsenal star was considered less appealing to younger viewers.
In the latest crackdown on gambling-related advertising, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned two Instagram posts by Oddschecker that featured football stars Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. The regulator ruled that both players have a strong appeal among people under 18, making the promotions irresponsible under UK gambling advertising rules. The complaints were originally filed by a Bristol University researcher in November 2025.
One post claimed Kane was the most backed player to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, receiving 32 percent of bets. Another highlighted Norway as the most backed team to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, mentioning odds that shortened from 80/1 to 50/1. Oddschecker defended the content by saying the posts were editorial rather than promotional and that the Instagram account was restricted to adults aged 18 and above.
However, the ASA rejected that argument, stating many underage users could still access the material by using false birth dates. As a result, both posts breached gambling advertising regulations In a separate decision, the ASA cleared an advertisement by Betway featuring former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry. The regulator concluded that Henry mainly appeals to adult football fans because he retired in 2014 and is now primarily involved in tactical analysis and punditry.
0
0
0
0
0
0