carroll6033336

Fluffy Animals Gambling ad Was Irresponsible, Says Watchdog

Fluffy animals gambling advertisement was careless, says watchdog

28 October 2020

A gaming advert which featured fluffy animals has been prohibited after being branded “reckless” by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).

The video ad for Gala Spins – part of the yohaig code FTSE 100-listed gambling giant GVC Holdings – included five toy animals.

The ASA ruled the ad “was likely to be of specific interest under-18s” and therefore “the advertisement was reckless”.

The owner of Gala Spins stated it had gotten rid of the yohaig code advert from all its channels.

The paid-for Facebook post in August featured a video caption reading “it’s a rollercoaster of cuteness” and a video revealing “fluffy favourite” toy animals.

It prompted a to the advertising watchdog that the content of the advert was likely to appeal to kids.

The ASA agreed and stated: “Gambling advertisements should not be likely to be of particular attract kids or young persons, specifically by showing or being related to youth culture.

“We considered that the ad was most likely to be of specific attract under-18s and for that reason concluded that the ad was irresponsible and breached the [marketing] bet9ja promotion code yohaig.”

Gambling addicts ‘at higher risk during lockdown’

Gala Spins stated it posted the video featuring packed animals in mistake and that it was an out-of-date video.

It stated its designated target audience was ladies aged between 18 and 65 interested in betting.

Gala Spins was censured by the guard dog 2 years ago for linking gaming and skill in an advert.

One of its TV ads included a male playing on his tablet with a voiceover suggesting: “Try it now and see if you have actually got the talent.”

The ASA ruled that the line “see if you’ve got the skill” was efficiently an invitation to bet online in the context of the ad, and for that reason suggested that audiences might utilize ability to improve their chances of winning.

Gala Spins becomes part of Gibraltar-based LC International which in turn is owned by GVC Holdings, which bought Ladbrokes Coral in 2018.

Last year, GVC processed ₤ 11.2bn-worth of sports wagers through its various brands, consisting of Bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds International and Sportingbet.

It also owns a variety of games companies including CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, Partypoker and PartyCasino.

Gambling companies to stop marketing throughout lockdown

27 April 2020

Fears for problem bettors in lockdown

14 April 2020

NHS fears ‘wave’ of coronavirus betting dependency

8 April 2020