Critics, including mayoral candidate Susan Hall, questioned why Transport for London (TfL) allowed the ads in the first place, given TfL's past rejection of ads promoting food items.

Previously, TfL blocked ads for artisanal cheese, a Victoria sponge cake, and Wimbledon's strawberries and cream on the grounds that they encouraged eating.

London's transport network, overseen by Transport for London (TfL), has been continuing to accept gambling advertisements from companies like 888.com despite a 2021 manifesto pledge from Sadiq Khan to ban such ads.

TfL is conducting an independent review on the connection between advertising and harm.

Recently, 888.com launched a campaign on the London Underground, trains, and buses with slogans like "This carriage is now a casino" and "Fancy a spin?".

After being contacted by The Guardian, 888.com confirmed they would withdraw some of the ads, but did not specify which ones, stating that they could be misconstrued from their intended brand position.

TfL has banned ads for online casino company 888 due to criticism over their tone, despite compliance with advertising regulations and TfL policies against trivializing gambling.

The ads for higher-risk gambling products have been linked to higher harm rates in NHS survey data.