Online casino 888.com has announced that they will be withdrawing their advertisements from Transport for London (TfL) following a political backlash against their presence on the public transportation network.
The decision was made after several politicians, including Mayor Sadiq Khan, criticized TfL for allowing gambling advertisements on its platforms, claiming that they were promoting harmful behavior and addiction. In response to the backlash, 888.com has decided to remove their ads in order to avoid any further controversy.
The move comes after a recent study found that gambling-related ads were the most common type of advertisement seen by London commuters, with 888.com being one of the most prominent brands featured. This has raised concerns about the impact of these ads on vulnerable individuals, particularly those struggling with addiction issues.
In a statement, 888.com said that they take their responsibility as a socially responsible operator very seriously and have decided to withdraw their ads from TfL in order to align with their values and commitment to promoting responsible gambling practices.
The decision has been welcomed by politicians and anti-gambling campaigners, who have long been calling for stricter regulations on gambling advertising in order to protect consumers. However, some critics argue that the move may not be enough to address the root causes of problem gambling and that more needs to be done to tackle the issue at its source.
Overall, the withdrawal of 888.com’s ads from TfL is a significant development in the ongoing debate surrounding gambling advertising in the UK. It remains to be seen whether other gambling operators will follow suit and take similar action in response to public concerns.
