So what makes it ok for alcohol ads to continue in public but not gambling?
It's very plain and simple and that's because the society see alcohol as a less evil than gambling. In fact, not just when compared to alcohol but also when compared to drugs. Though moralists will classify all of them as the same of same, the society picks drinking as mild in adverse effect. In fact, we see drinking as a necessary ingredient for social gatherings. Again, drinking addiction isn't viewed as bad as gambling or drug addiction..I think that will never be changed. Alcohol will always be less evil than gambling. Although in today's era, I believe there are more gamblers than drinkers. They should really change that idea.
But it's a traditional thing that is carved in people's minds, and up until now, even a gambler would classify another gambler as a bad person, even though they are both doing the same vice. It's sad because there are responsible gamblers who don't cross the line, and they are judged the same as those who do not have control.