Instagram betting ads featuring football stars Harry Kane and Erling Haaland were banned by the UK's advertising watchdog for being irresponsible. The Advertising Standards Authority ruled the promotions breached advertising codes because both players have strong appeal to under-18s, despite Oddschecker claiming the content was primarily editorial.

Oddschecker had set the account to 18-plus, arguing the posts weren't traditional advertisements. However, the ASA countered that many children use fake birth dates on Instagram. One ad showed Kane with a Ballon d'Or caption, while another promoted Norway's chances at the 2026 World Cup featuring Haaland.

The ASA dismissed Oddschecker's defense, considering both players to pose a high risk of appeal to minors. Interestingly, a separate Instagram ad featuring Thierry Henry did not break the rules as he was deemed less likely to appeal strongly to under-18s.