ASA review reveals public support

ndependent review into the Advertising Standards Authority's (ASA) application of UK codes has found that public opinion has generally been in favour of the body's decision making.

However areas such as free bet offers, 'toughness' in gambling ads and scheduling relating to children have been deemed to require further consideration.

Notable moves by the authority include its decision to ban Irish bookmaker Paddy Power’s advertising of an offer to give money back to all losing bets on athlete Oscar Pistorius’s murder trial if the South African walked free. It also banned an advert from British bookmaker Ladbrokes which was said to promote reckless gambling.

ASA chief executive Gary Parker said: “We’re pleased our decisions are in line with people’s opinions but we’re not complacent. There are areas we need to examine further as part of our commitment to ensure every UK ad’s a responsible ad.”