Fanbet In Big Trouble With UK Watchdog Over Suicide Ad
Published on by Becky Mosley
Fanbet are in deep trouble with the UK’s advertising watchdog after they aired a suicide-themed ad to promote their site.
Complaints
On Wednesday, the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) received a complaint after a Fanbet ad with three slides including one featuring a man hanging from a rope and reading ‘SAVE YOURSELF’ was seen on an Arsenal FC fan site.The suicidal-themed imagery was deemed a poor choice, especially since there is a well-documented link between gambling addictions and suicidal thoughts. The ASA supported the complainant, stating that the ad “presented suicide in a light hearted way” and implied that “continued gambling could address previous poor results.” They continued by stating that the ad was “irresponsible” and violated the CAP Code, which governs non-broadcast promotions and advertisements.
New Restrictions On TV Ads
Though the Arsenal FC fan site didn’t receive any backlash directly, it did remove the ad after the owners were contacted by ASA. Fanbet have also agreed to take down the ad, with both sites promising to pay more attention to suitability in the future.Over in Ireland, the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) is imposing new restrictions on all gambling adverts. The ASAI may be an industry-funded group with no legal standing, but they are demanding that gambling ads feature responsible, appropriate content.