ASA Enforces Complaint Against BetVictor Over Inappropriate Ad

A complaint against BetVictor has been enforced by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after a complaint was made against BetVictor for using influential individuals who have a strong appeal to those under 18 in a paid Facebook ad.

Dispute Over Facebook Ad

In January 2023, a BetVictor ad emerged on Facebook showcasing Spanish footballers Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets of FC Barcelona. The ad contained this question: “Who is the most underrated player at the club you support?”

The ASA questioned whether BetVictor had violated the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) Code’s ban on gambling ads that strongly appeal to individuals under 18, a new regulation enacted in 2022.

BetVictor’s Justification

BetVictor countered the claim by stating Alba and Busquets was not popular in the UK compared to footballers like Messi, Mbappe, and Ronaldo. According to BetVictor, these players would not fall into CAP’s “high risk” classification.

BetVictor noted that neither player had scored against a UK team and had not faced any Premier League team since 2019.

Moreover, BetVictor revealed both players lacked any social media presence among under-18s. Both had Twitter and Instagram accounts rather than platforms more popular with under-18s like TikTok, Snapchat, or Twitch. Additionally, the ad did not feature any betting site ‘calls to action’ or logos other than BetVictor’s.

ASA’s Decision

The ASA support the complaint, maintaining football has a strong appeal to those under 18s. Although both Alba and Busquets had minimal connections with UK clubs or the Premier League, in line with CAP Code, non-UK players are prohibited from appearing in gambling advertisements.

Additionally, non-UK ‘star’ footballers, particularly those playing for top European clubs, were deemed high-risk concerning their appeal to under-18s.

Furthermore, the ASA claimed BetVictor had not taken sufficient measures to prevent under-18s from seeing the ad, as Facebook lacks solid age-verification procedures.

Violating CAP Code Edition 12

The ASA determined BetVictor had violated CAP Code edition 12, rules 16.1, 16.3, and 16.3.12.

This is the first time a ruling has been made regarding players representing teams outside of the UK, broadening the scope beyond prior ASA rulings in relation to the CAP guidance enacted in October of the previous year.

Faulkner further commented that any player participating in a major foreign league, particularly those playing for prominent clubs, would be a dangerous option for gambling operators.