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A decision by Yahoo and Google to ban online gambling ads has created expected repercussions from some of the casino site owners. Understandably, the owners who commented are not pleased with the gambling ad ban by the two search engine giants.

Many of the owners speculate that the U.S. Government may ave been putting pressure on the two search engines. Speaking to MediaDailyNews.com, Haden Ware, managing director of World Wide Sports Exchange said, "the one thing we want to find out is whether this [decision] is coming from government pressure."

David Carruthers, chief executive officer of BetonSports.com, said, "I can draw no other conclusion than that."

The companies' responses differ. Yahoo states that reason it dropped the ads was that the gambling market is "too risky". Jennifer Stephens, senior director of communications Yahoo's Overture Services, said, "we're looking for consistency in the Yahoo product, and there is a lack of clarity in the environment. Yahoo removed all casino-related banner ads in 2002--however, Overture, which Yahoo acquired last year, had still accepted such ads."

Google's response was slightly more vague. "This change was made as a part of Google's ongoing commitment to enhancing our advertising policies to ensure that we provide the best search and advertising experience to our users," said David Krane, director of corporate communications for Google.

Undaunted, the gambling site continue to look for ways to promote their $5.7 billion industry. BetonSports.com's Carruthers is optimistic about the future. "I don't see any immediate impact. Beton is planning a multimedia campaign, which may include spending on search engines other than Yahoo or Google. [Yahoo and Google] may have just written a blank check to a competitor."

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