As a gambler, what would you have felt about this? Especially if you were betting on the very same sporting match? Do you think that this was effective in reducing gambling rate in the country?
You posted that it was to help under 18 children not to be exposed to gambling. I think that can be very helpful. But in reducing gambling, the governments should not deceive themselves because it will not reduce anything. In one way or the other, people are getting exposed to gambling ads frequently as long as the government of the country accepts gambling.
I would agree with you that for ages below 18 it's a good way the government could achieve what they want because basically children or teens practice what they see the most and if gambling ads are everywhere in the country believe me kids or younglings will push towards attempting the thing on the gambling ads and but however I will also disagree with you that it has no significance with adults and the government perspective isn't right, you might think it doesn't work but in reality I can attest to that, it works reducing adverts will really help reduce gambling in the country, not everyone is educated and a good percentage of people are poor so if you remove the closest thing that will make them reach gambling or see gambling it will definitely be of help.