UK’s ASA Targets Superstition-Based Gambling Ads Amid PlayOJO Controversy

The UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is cracking down on online gambling advertisements that exploit superstitions and the illusion of control, particularly around so-called “hot” games and lucky streaks. This move follows scrutiny of an ad campaign by well-known casino brand PlayOJO, which suggested players had a “unique chance to see the games on winning streaks” and promoted updates on “most and least winning games” every hour.

ASA argued that such claims are misleading, especially for games powered by Random Number Generators (RNGs), where outcomes are entirely based on chance and not subject to patterns or streaks. The regulator pointed out that unlike physical blackjack, RNG-based games cannot logically have hot or cold periods, undermining PlayOJO’s claim.

Although PlayOJO removed the ad content preemptively and emphasized that no specific regulatory action had been demanded, ASA is still expected to classify the campaign as “irresponsible and misleading”, per a report from The Guardian.