Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned a TV advertisement by Ladbrokes depicting problem gamblers. The ban was imposed on the operator after ASA received a complaint about the ad being allegedly ‘socially irresponsible’.
The advertisement which got aired on April 10, 2021 depicts a man frustrated while betting and a group sitting nervously waiting to see if they had placed a winning bet.
The complaint stated that the ad promotes problem gambling and encourages gambling behavior which is highly socially irresponsible.
While banning the advert, the ASA said in its ruling: “The CAP Code states ads must not portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that was socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm.”
The CAP code states those that display “problem gambling behaviours or other behavioural indicators linked to problem gambling” were likely breaching the code.”
In response to the ban Entain owned Ladbrokes said the advertisement just portrayed the feelings of the football fans while they were engrossed in watching the matches. It just intended to showcase the feelings of the football fans.
As per Gambling Insider, the ASA added: “Marketers should take care to avoid an implication of such behaviours; for instance, with outwardly light-hearted or humorous approaches that could be regarded as portrayals of those behaviours.”