Gambling ads on social media target young men as study reveals 12.6 million male views

Research highlights how algorithms amplify betting adverts to younger male audiences, raising concerns about harm and regulation gaps

Ahead of the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, Paddy Power ran an advert promising huge odds to new customers on a goal to be scored in the game. Picture: AP /Jose Breton

Anyone who follows sport is used to seeing gambling advertising everywhere.

On jerseys, on advertising hoardings, on the half-time ad breaks, and when they’re scrolling on social media.