Some online gamblers are saying they got what they deserved, while others think they were treated too harshly by UK Secretary of Culture Tessa Jowell.  Of course, this is referring to ThePool.com, who was recently ordered by Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) Chairman, Lord Borrie, to take down a banner advertisement from their website that explicitly catered to sixteen and seventeen year olds.

The advertising campaign, which ThePool still defends to this day, appeared to fit within legal jurisdictions since anyone over the age of sixteen can legally place bets in UK gambling pools.  However, it seems that ThePool crossed the line this time, for Jowell was quoted as saying the campaign was "utterly reprehensible" and "socially irresponsible".  The actual  antics of the ad appearing in the men's lifestyle magazine, Metro, showed barely dressed women with a slogan that read, "Why wait 'till 18? Bet at 16".

A spokesperson for The Pool responded that although they were very surprised about the order given by the ASA, they immediately complied and had the banner removed from their Splash page.  Now, all that appears is a large pink banner with the word "Banned".   The online betting site also stated they in no way sought to irresponsibly promote gambling to and/or exploit the young. An investigation is to be conducted by the ASA, in which it will be determined if The Pool is indeed guilty of irresponsible marketing.