Amber Neely
Apple has paused App Store ads relating to gambling after developers and App Store users complained about the frequency of gambling ads.
On Tuesday, app developers spoke out on social media, voicing concerns that Apple's new App Store ad slots regularly feature gambling apps. Possibly in response to the backlash, Apple has taken down ads relating to gambling.
An Apple spokesperson reached out to AppleInsider with the following statement:
"We have paused ads related to gambling and a few other categories on App Store product pages."
Gambling apps were heavily featured in Apple's new ad slots, with some users reporting that they'd seen gambling apps advertised up to 30% of the time.
The ads appeared next to apps geared toward children and even on pages for gambling addiction recovery apps.
Gambling apps are highly controversial. The apps allow players to gamble in casino-like games, including Blackjack, poker, roulette, and more. In addition, many of these apps inform users that they can exchange winnings for cash via PayPal, Apple Pay, or prepaid debit cards.
Many were critical of Apple for allowing the ads in the first place, stating that it had lost sight of its customer-first vision.
A spot check on Wednesday evening is showing at least moderately relevant ads for apps — and no sign of the gambling apps.
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Christine McKee
Malcolm Owen
William Gallagher
Andrew Orr
22 Comments
Thank goodness. Wiser heads have prevailed for the moment. Now keep them out, Apple.
Boy. Talk about reactionary.
Whoopie doodle. Now U.S. citizens can return to viewing gambling ads online, on TV, in magazines, in the mail, on billboards, at bus stops, train stations, airports yada yada yada. I'm noting that I can currently see a 'ZZ Top/Viva Las Vegas Show at the Venetian Resort' advert right in this thread and am completely shocked at the blatant attempt at marketing gambling through a family fun web site like AppleInsider.
LOL
shameful to begin with
timmy getting desparate