Fluffy Animals Gambling Ad Was Irresponsible Says Watchdog
Fluffy animals betting advertisement was reckless, states watchdog
28 October 2020
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A gaming advert which included fluffy animals has actually been banned after being branded "careless" by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
The video advertisement for Gala Spins - part of the yohaig code FTSE 100-listed gambling giant GVC Holdings - included 5 toy animals.
the yohaig code ASA ruled the advertisement "was most likely to be of specific interest under-18s" and therefore "the advertisement was reckless".
The owner of Gala Spins said it had 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 showing "fluffy favourite" toy animals.
It prompted a grievance to the advertising guard dog that the content of the advert was most likely to attract children.
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the yohaig code ASA agreed and stated: "Gambling advertisements need to not be most likely to be of particular attract kids or young adults, particularly by showing or being associated with youth culture.
"We thought about that the ad was most likely to be of particular attract under-18s and therefore concluded that the advertisement was reckless and breached the [marketing] bet9ja promotion code yohaig."
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Gala Spins said it published the video featuring stuffed animals in mistake which it was an out-of-date video.
It stated its designated target market was females aged in between 18 and 65 interested in gaming.
Gala Spins was censured by the watchdog two years ago for connecting gambling and ability in an advert.
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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."
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The ASA ruled that the line "see if you've got the talent" was effectively an invitation to gamble online in the context of the advertisement, and for that reason suggested that viewers might use skill 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.
In 2015, GVC processed ₤ 11.2bn-worth of sports wagers through its numerous brands, including Bwin, Coral, Crystalbet, Eurobet, Ladbrokes, Neds International and Sportingbet.
It also owns a range of games companies consisting of CasinoClub, Foxy Bingo, Gala, Gioco Digitale, Partypoker and PartyCasino.
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