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Depending on the country, it could already very well be banned. But when it comes to addictive substances or in this case, addictive behaviors, as long as they are adults, I see no problem in advertising to them. As far as children go, the internet is a completely unregulated room of full freedom, so they will find worse things on the internet than gambling advertisements. There is no way to stop them except if the parents themselves implement a very strict control over the child. Which, in itself could be debated on whether or not that is a good way for a child to grow and learn.
But lets assume that everyone here is an adult. Why should we demand censorship? Are we not responsible for ourselves? Do we not have the freedom to do as we like? Do we need big brother to watch over us, and tell us what we are allowed and what we are not, as if we were living in China?
I agree that individual responsibility is important, but its important to grasp the details. Gambling, even among adults, is not voluntary. Dopamine, a reward neurotransmitter, is released by gambling. Over time, an imbalance might cause addictive behaviours, making people sensitive to ads.
The internet is a 'unregulated space of freedom' to some extent. Platforms moderate content, though. Thus, the theory seems plausible.
Society setting ethical standards is the issue, not "big brother" surveillance. Comparing to China is striking. Still, public health and ethical obligations over individual freedoms that could harm society are the main focus.
