‘Sneaky’ social media ads are luring young into gambling, say campaigners

Research found children were less able than adults to recognise the posts as promotions. Photograph: Justin Lambert/Getty Images

Tougher rules are required to crack down on betting firms’ use of “sneaky” social media postings and campaigns that may lure young people into gambling, warns a new report.

Researchers at Bristol University have reported a rise in gambling promotions that typically blur the line between advertising for a betting company and popular cultural references, from ET to Gladiator.