UK advertising watchdog warns PokerStars over “socially irresponsible” advert
Flutter’s poker brand admitted breaching advertising rules by using social media influencers and describing gambling as an “investment”.
UK.- The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has warned Flutter’s Stars Interactive, operator of PokerStars, over a “socially irresponsible” advert featuring social media influencers. The offending ad showed Rory Jennings and Adam McKola playing an online slot game.
Jennings and McKola were shown participating in a PokerStars Casino challenge to see who could win more by betting £100 over 10 spins. McKola was shown winning large amounts on some spins, including wins of £185 and £100. Jennings asked him for tips, and McKola advised him to “heat your finger up”, after which Jennings blew on his fingers before making a spin and winning.
McKola ended the session £622 up and Jennings £240. “I’m just a lucky guy,” McKola concluded before Jennings turned to the camera and said “Can you believe that? I invested £100 and five minutes later, £240 because of my skill at slots“.
PokerStars posted the advert on its Instagram account on December 23. It admitted that the advert broke the CAP Code and said it was published in error. It said it has now provided advertising compliance training to staff involved in UK ad campaigns.
The ASA said the ad presented a “false sense of guaranteed success” and gave the impression that luck or simple actions could lead to rewards. It also criticised Jennings’ description of playing slots as an “investment”.
It said the advert must not appear again in this form and warned PokerStars not to portray, condone or encourage behaviour that is socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm.
“Their ads should not trivialise gambling, encourage frequent and repetitive participation, or describe gambling as an investment,” it said.
Gambling Commission announces new UK rules for bonus promotions
The Gambling Commission has announced new rules for gambling incentives and promotions following a consultation. From December 19, licensed gambling operators will no longer be allowed to offer bonuses or other incentives that cross-sell by combining different types of gambling products. There will also be a cap on bonus requirements.
The ban on so-called ‘bonus mixing’ means that operators will no longer be able to offer promotions that combine casino, bingo, sports or lottery products. For example, promotions that require a customer to place both a sports bet and play a slot game to qualify for a bonus will be prohibited.
