Digital Gaming Companies Coral and Rank Under Fire for Offensive Advertisements
Casino and Sportsbook Ads Under the Microscope
With a growing emphasis on responsible gambling, the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has been cracking down on socially irresponsible ads from online sportsbooks and casino apps. This scrutiny increases as regulatory updates are enforced.
Unwarranted Marketing
Prominent figures in the gambling industry, such as Coral and Rank Digital Gaming, have recently found themselves under fire for their misleading advertising tactics. A commercial from Coral linked horseracing to betting in a way that targeted a vulnerable group and encouraged dangerous gambling behavior. Simultaneously, an in-app ad from Rank Digital Gaming's Lucky Night app depicted casino games as a means to solve financial woes, further contributing to problematic habits.
Both companies have acknowledged their shortcomings and taken appropriate measures to rectify the issues with their ads. Nonetheless, these incidents underscore the importance of responsible marketing in the gambling sector.
Flawed Advertisements
Operators are strictly forbidden from targeting vulnerable individuals such as minors, self-excluded users, or those prone to gambling addiction. Additionally, ads mustn't contain elements that appeal to children or young people, encourage excessive gambling, or depict gambling as a solution to financial problems.
Recent trends suggest that advertising before the TV watershed may be limited to reduce minors' exposure, while the frequency and types of promotional offers are being restricted during late hours. Furthermore, operators are expected to implement clear messaging about responsible gambling and provide tools for users to set deposit limits, review limits regularly, and maintain transparency in transactions and marketing communications.
Starting from 2025, bonus offers and promotional wagering requirements will be capped to prevent misleading promotions. The ASA remains vigilant in enforcing these bans and providing guidance to advertisers to ensure compliance with consumer protection standards.
The Road Ahead
Parliamentary and health committee recommendations call for a thorough review and update of the Gambling Act for better harm minimization. The government is urged to reinforce advertising regulations, including sponsorship, launch public health campaigns, and highlight the connections between gambling and potential suicide risks. These changes signal a shift toward a gambling advertising framework focused on consumer protection, responsible marketing, and public health considerations.
It's essential for online sportsbooks and casino apps to keep up with these evolving regulations to avoid any future penalties and maintain a positive, responsible approach to advertising their services. The stakes are high, both for the gambling industry and the individuals who may struggle with addiction.
- Despite recent controversies surrounding misleading ads from companies like Coral and Rank Digital Gaming, involving sports betting and online casinos, both firms have responded by addressing the issues and promoting more responsible advertising.
- With the increasing pressure on online sportsbooks and casino apps to adhere to responsible marketing practices, it's crucial for operators to avoid depicting betting as a means to alleviate financial troubles, as doing so could potentially intensify problematic gambling habits.
