Advertising Standards Agency has issued a warning to GB Sports Advisors Ltd (trading as Geoff Banks Online) over a gambling advert.
A customer complained to the bookmaker that they were unable redeem their promotion. The complainant also questioned whether or not the advertisement violated the Committee of Advertising Practices (CAP) Code due to the omission of the conditions.
According to the CAP code, promotions should include all important conditions, if they are not included, it would lead to confusion.
Customers had to respond to the text sent by the bookmaker before a specific time to qualify for a free bet. The free bet had to also be made by that time.
The advert didn’t mention that the consumer would be receiving a text message or that he/she needed to reply.
An ASA announcement stated that “these were important conditions likely to influence consumers’ understanding of this promotion.” We therefore believed that their omission would mislead consumers.
The ASA ruled the advertisement violated CAP Code rules 8.2, 8.17.4, 8.17.4.a, 8.17.1 and 8.17.4.
Geoff Banks responds to claims
GB Sports Advisors rejects the complaint, saying that it does not believe all conditions were unclear.
Advertisement read: “Bet the Aintree Grand National to get a PS10 free bet on Scottish Grand National.”
Geoff Banks is offering a free PS10 bet to use for the Scottish Grand National, if you place a wager on Aintree Grand National. The minimum qualifying bet is PS10 for a win, or PS5 on each side. The qualifying wager may win or lose.
This offer is only valid for bets that are placed before 3pm Saturday, 13th April. Free bets that have been awarded in the past do not qualify as wagers. Your account will receive a Free Bet by the 20th of April.
ASA is firm on advertising violation
The ASA says that the ad “must not be repeated in the format complained about.” We asked GB Sports Advisors Ltd t/a Geoff Banks Online if they would include all important conditions in their promotions going forward.
Festival Free Bets and other horse race betting offers are also targeted by ASA for marketing their deals using a young person under 25 years old.
