On the same day that I read Yahoo! Experiments With “For Cash” Online Poker, I get an e-mail from Yahoo! stating:
Please be advised that Yahoo! Search Marketing has implemented a new gaming advertising policy that is effective immediately.
The new policy will not allow advertisements that contain invitations to play, any mention of money (eg. £1000 jackpot), or any offers or incentives to take part in gaming (eg. bonus or benefit). For full details please refer to the Gambling Policy (attached).
Effective immediately, we will not be accepting any new advertisements that do not comply with these guidelines.
Existing advertisements are currently being reviewed for compliance and we expect this process to be complete by mid May. If your advertisement is found to be non-compliant you will be advised and it will be suspended until the necessary changes are made.
This gaming policy change has been made in order to ensure Yahoo! Search Marketing gambling ads comply with the law and guidance issued by the Gambling Commission last year.
Is this a coincidence, or is Yahoo! UK cutting out the competition? I'm sure it's just a coincidence... ;)
