📺 Advertising Rulings

A recent advertisement for Betfred Casino showed a voice-over inviting viewers to play various casino games. The problem was that this ad appeared during a show aimed at younger audiences, which could lead to children being exposed to gambling content. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld a complaint against Betfred, ruling that they must ensure their ads are targeted appropriately to avoid reaching anyone under 18. This means that in the future, Betfred needs to be more careful about where they place their ads, helping to protect younger viewers from gambling promotions.

Mecca Bingo ran an Instagram ad showing a celebrity drag queen, Baga Chipz, with a "before and after" theme, suggesting that playing bingo could make someone feel more confident and happy. Two people complained, saying the ad wrongly implied that gambling could improve a person's self-image or self-esteem, which is against advertising rules. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed and ruled that the ad was misleading, so Mecca Bingo must not use that ad again and needs to ensure future ads don’t suggest gambling can enhance personal qualities. For players, this means that ads will be more responsible and won’t promote unrealistic expectations about how gambling might affect their self-worth.

The advertisement from XLMedia plc featured Chelsea footballer Mason Mount, who was 24 years old at the time, promoting a service that helps people find betting offers. The problem was that using someone under 25 in such ads is against advertising rules because it could influence younger audiences to gamble. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint, meaning they found the ad irresponsible and ordered that it should not be shown again. For gamblers, this ruling reinforces the importance of responsible advertising and ensures that younger individuals are not used in ways that could encourage gambling.

A recent advertisement for the People’s Postcode Lottery featured a couple who were able to resume their wedding plans after winning £62,500. The problem was that the ad suggested winning the lottery could solve financial issues, which could mislead people into thinking gambling is a way to fix money problems. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint and ruled that the ad should not run again in that form, stating it shouldn't imply that playing the lottery is a solution to financial concerns. For gamblers, this means that ads must be more responsible and not encourage the idea that gambling can resolve financial hardships.

A recent advertisement by bet365 featured a video of footballer Granit Xhaka scoring a goal, promoted through a tweet from Sky Sports. The issue was that the ad included a player who could appeal strongly to kids under 18, which is against advertising rules for gambling. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint, ruling that the ad shouldn't run again in its current form and instructed bet365 not to use characters appealing to young people in their ads. For gamblers, this means that ads will be more carefully monitored to ensure they don't target or attract underage viewers.

In early 2023, Ladbrokes ran ads on Twitter featuring famous tennis players like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, asking fans to predict outcomes of matches during the Australian Open. The problem was that these ads could appeal to people under 18, which is against advertising rules for gambling. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint and ordered Ladbrokes to stop using these types of ads, especially those featuring popular athletes. For gamblers, this means that ads will be more carefully monitored to ensure they don't target younger audiences, helping to protect minors from being influenced by gambling promotions.

Jumpman Gaming Ltd, which runs the online bingo site Lights Camera Bingo, had a message pop up in browser tabs saying “Hey! Come Back!” when players left their site. This raised concerns that the message could encourage people to keep gambling even if they intended to stop, which could be harmful. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint and ruled that this kind of advertising is irresponsible, ordering the company to stop using that message. As a result, players can expect a safer online gambling environment without such prompts that might push them to gamble more than they should.

Ladbrokes ran two ads on Twitter featuring Premier League managers, including Eddie Howe, promoting betting odds for managers likely to be fired. The issue was that these ads could appeal to people under 18, which is against advertising rules for gambling. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ruled that the ads breached these rules and ordered Ladbrokes not to run them again in their current form. This means gamblers can expect stricter advertising practices to protect younger audiences from being influenced by gambling promotions.

A recent advertisement from Ladbrokes featured a tweet with Jake Paul discussing his boxing match against Tommy Fury, asking followers to vote on what he should do next. The issue was that Jake Paul is a well-known figure who appeals to younger audiences, which goes against rules meant to protect under-18s from gambling promotions. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint and ruled that the ad should not run again in its current form, meaning Ladbrokes can’t use popular figures like him in their ads. For gamblers, this means that advertising will be more carefully monitored to ensure it doesn’t target or appeal to younger audiences.

In January 2023, bet365 ran an ad on social media featuring boxer Chris Eubank Jr., promoting an upcoming fight and encouraging people to check the latest betting odds. The issue raised was whether the ad could appeal to people under 18, which could be harmful. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed the complaint and decided that the ad did not breach any rules, meaning no further action was needed. For gamblers, this means that while the ad is allowed, it highlights the ongoing concern about ensuring that gambling promotions do not attract younger audiences.

A promoted tweet from Sky Bet featured former footballer Micah Richards, encouraging people to bet by offering £20 in free bets when they placed a £5 bet. Some people complained that the ad might appeal to those under 18, which could be harmful. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) looked into it but decided that the ad was not misleading and took no further action. For gamblers, this means that Sky Bet can continue to advertise in this way, but it highlights the ongoing concern about ensuring gambling ads don’t attract younger audiences.

Paddy Power aired two TV ads featuring former football player Peter Crouch, promoting a "completely free bet builder" for England's World Cup games. Some people complained that the ads might appeal to younger viewers, which could be harmful since gambling should not target kids. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed the complaints but decided not to take any action, stating that Peter Crouch, being a retired player, was not likely to attract under-18s. For gamblers, this means that the ads can continue running without changes, but it highlights the ongoing concern about how gambling promotions may reach younger audiences.

The ads from EU Lotto Ltd, promoting their betting service on lottery outcomes, claimed that players could participate in popular lotteries like the Irish Lottery and US Powerball for just £2. However, the ads were misleading because they made it seem like players were buying lottery tickets, when in fact they were only betting on the results. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint, ruling that the ads must clearly state that they are about betting, not actual lottery participation. As a result, players can expect future ads to be more transparent about the nature of the service, helping them make better-informed decisions.

The advertisement for PlayOJO promoted a "Hot or Cold" feature that claimed to show players which games were currently paying out more or less, suggesting that this information could help them choose better bets. However, the problem was that the ads misleadingly implied this feature could predict future wins, which could lead to players making risky decisions based on false hopes. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints about the ads and ordered Skill on Net Ltd to stop using them in their current form. For players, this means they should be cautious and not rely on such features to guarantee success, as the games are ultimately based on chance.

A recent advertisement for the mobile casino game "Wolf Gold" claimed that gambling could help solve financial problems, suggesting that players could earn money to pay off loans or buy expensive items like cars and houses. This was considered misleading and harmful because it implied that gambling could provide financial security, which is not true. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint, ruling that the ad must not be shown again in its current form and requiring the company to ensure future ads do not make similar claims. For players, this means that they should see fewer misleading ads that suggest gambling is a way to solve financial issues.

A recent TV ad for Coral, a betting company, showed exciting footage of a horse race, aiming to capture the thrill of the event. However, two people complained that the ad could encourage irresponsible gambling behavior, as it created a sense of excitement that might lead viewers to bet more than they should. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed and ruled that the ad was misleading and harmful, so Coral cannot run this ad again in its current form. For gamblers, this means that future ads will need to be more responsible and less likely to promote risky gambling habits.

A radio ad for Paddy Power featured a humorous conversation between a father and his future son-in-law, where they joked about the Cheltenham horse racing event. A complaint was made that the ad was offensive and degrading to women, suggesting it portrayed harmful stereotypes. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed the ad and decided that it was not offensive or misleading, so no action was taken against Paddy Power. For gamblers, this means the ad will remain as is, and it doesn’t change how they can engage with the brand or its promotions.

A recent advertisement for Paddy Power showed a young man gambling on his phone during a family gathering, suggesting that he was so focused on the game that he made an awkward comment to his girlfriend. This raised concerns that the ad portrayed gambling as more important than family and encouraged irresponsible gambling behavior, like thinking you can always try again after a loss. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld these complaints and ordered that the ads must not be shown again in their current form. For gamblers, this means that future ads will likely be more careful about how they present gambling, aiming to avoid promoting it as a priority over personal relationships or encouraging risky behavior.

A radio ad for Paddy Power promoted the Cheltenham horse racing festival, joking about the rivalry between British and Irish trainers. Some listeners complained that certain phrases in the ad were offensive, suggesting they made light of sensitive topics like Irish emigration. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) reviewed the complaints and decided that the ad was not offensive and did not break any rules, so no action was taken against Paddy Power. For gamblers, this means that the ad will remain as is, and they can continue to enjoy the playful spirit of the Cheltenham festival promotions.

A recent radio ad from Paddy Power promoted their Bet Builder offer, which promised money back as a free bet if one part of your bet didn't win. However, listeners complained that the important terms and conditions were read too quickly and quietly, making them hard to understand. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed that the ad was misleading and ruled that it couldn't be aired again in its current form. This means that in the future, Paddy Power must ensure that all important information in their ads is clear and easy to hear, which is better for gamblers who need to understand the offers fully.

A recent advertisement for the 777.com slot machine app claimed that players could win big jackpots using free spins, and it featured a countdown timer suggesting that the offer was time-limited. However, the timer was misleading because refreshing the page would reset it, meaning the offer wasn't actually going to expire. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints against this ad, ruling that it was misleading and ordered 888 UK Ltd to ensure that future ads are clear and truthful. For gamblers, this means they should be cautious about offers that seem urgent, as they might not be as time-sensitive as they appear.

The A&S Leisure Group, which runs Napoleons Casinos, advertised "unlimited gambling" and "unrestricted gambling" on their website and Facebook page, suggesting that players could gamble without any limits. This was misleading because it could encourage irresponsible gambling behavior, leading to potential financial or emotional harm. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld complaints about these claims and ordered the company to stop using such language in their ads. As a result, players can expect clearer and more responsible advertising that does not imply they can gamble without limits.

A recent TV ad for Ladbrokes showed people getting excited about football and placing bets on their phones. However, some viewers felt it made gambling look like an obsession, which could be harmful or misleading. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) agreed and ruled that the ad portrayed behavior that could suggest problem gambling. As a result, Ladbrokes was told to ensure their future ads don’t show gambling in a way that could be seen as irresponsible, which means players can expect more careful advertising that promotes safer gambling practices.

A Facebook ad from Ladbrokes promoted a slot game called "The Goonies" and offered 30 free spins with a £50 deposit. A complaint was made because the ad might appeal to younger audiences, especially since "The Goonies" is a popular film among kids. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) looked into it but decided not to take any action, stating that the ad was targeted at adults and did not directly appeal to children. For gamblers, this means that while the ad was allowed to run, there are still concerns about how gambling ads might reach younger audiences.

The advertisement from Ladbrokes showed a man nervously waiting for a horse race to start while using their betting app in a café with friends. The problem was that the ad suggested he was overly focused on the race, which could imply unhealthy gambling behavior and make it seem normal to be detached from your surroundings while gambling. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) upheld the complaint, telling Ladbrokes to avoid showing any gambling behavior that could be seen as socially irresponsible in future ads. For gamblers, this means that ads will be more carefully monitored to ensure they don't promote risky gambling habits.