London: A gambling advertisement that claimed online betting would improve sexual prowess and self esteem has become one of the first campaigns to be banned under tough new laws, following criticism from the advertising watchdog.

Advertisements for online casino Paddy Power was irresponsible in linking gambling to "seduction, sexual success and enhanced attractiveness", the Advertising Standards Authority ruled. The advert, published in The Times newspaper, featured a dwarf in a limousine flanked by two women, smoking a cigar and holding up a champagne glass.