The ads, which have appeared in Metro, a men's lifestyle magazine and as a promotional leaflet, feature naked girls with the word "banned" covering their breasts.
The straplines on the ads include statements such as "Why wait 'til 18? Bet at 16" and "Make lots of money when your friends join too". All the ads state "players must be 16 or over".
The Advertising Standards Authority, which has an obligation to check that the ad does not encourage excessive gambling nor exploit the young or immature, is investigating a complaint that the ads appeal to 16- and 17-year-olds. The non-broadcasting code prohibits gambling ads being directed at people under 18.
Following the complaint, ASA chairman Lord Borrie QC, has exercised his powers to have the ad withdrawn from circulation pending the outcome of the investigation.
Pool gambling is legal for anyone over 16, but all print ads appearing in paid-for space must comply with the non-broadcast advertising code.
The ads in question should remain out of circulation until the investigation has been considered by the ASA Council and its decision is published.
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