The Sports Bookie Blog

Ladbrokes facing ASA investigation

October 26th, 2007

Here’s the article: 

Ladbrokes first advertising campaign is to be investigated by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after the agency received four complaints. The complainants argue that the use of celebrities in the M&C Saatchi created ad encourages bravado and could influence young people to gamble.

A spokesperson for Ladbrokes said “Given that it’s the first time gambling companies have been able to advertise, we’re not entirely surprised there have been complaints.”

“But we don’t think we have transgressed and we will vigorously defend our case.”

Here’s my comment:

The Ladbrokes web site gives you a link to the “offending advertisement”. If you’ve not seen it on TV, go visit them to check it out.

What utter bollocks. I personally think it’s a great ad – and from where I sit, fairly true to life bravado-wise (except my local cafe doesn’t exactly attract footballing legends  – more like starving office worker types…so perhaps Ladbrokes’ ad agency can look to do a “white collar” version too featuring a few more of footballing’s elite).

Those who have complained are really looking hard for something to moan about – or stand to benefit in some other way from Ladbrokes and/or sports betting advertising getting a rough run.  That the ASA even accepts “encourages bravado” as a valid basis for complaint in my view undermines the credibility of their organisation. 

Entry Filed under: Bookie News & Bonuses,General Banter