The UK Advertising Standards Authority has reversed its earlier ruling against Ladbrokes’ Ladbucks campaign, finding that the ads did not breach rules on strong appeal to under-18s. The ASA said token-based loyalty schemes are also common among adults and cited the campaign’s visual differences from the games raised in the complaints.
The reversal allows Ladbrokes to continue the campaign under the ASA’s revised assessment.
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Australia’s ACMA is reportedly seeking answers from Ladbrokes over emails to inactive customers with funds in their accounts. The messages warned that inactivity fees could apply if customers did not resume betting, and reportedly omitted the required BetStop information; the reports do not state that ACMA has made a finding.
Australia’s ACMA has published an April 2026 report on how licensed online gambling providers use artificial intelligence. It identifies four broad applications: odds and predictive analytics, personalised services, content and product features, and detection of harmful or fraudulent behaviour; the report also notes providers may not disclose the full extent of their use.
The ASA has overturned its earlier decision against Ladbrokes’ “Ladbucks” campaign, finding that the adverts did not breach rules protecting under-18s. The regulator dismissed both complaints after reassessing the campaign, replacing its June 2025 ruling.
Entain Australia and New Zealand chief executive Andrew Vouris called on Australian banks to monitor transactions linked to illegal offshore gambling operators. Speaking at a conference in Sydney, he also urged prosecution of offshore operators' directors and said Australia should focus on disrupting the market rather than legalisation.
Remote Gaming Duty in the UK is due to rise from 21% to 40% on 1 April 2026, with analysts saying the increase could affect online-sector margins. Market commentary also linked gambling-share declines to US prediction-market growth; Matchbook was reportedly preparing a UK launch in the coming weeks.