William Hill advert connected betting to sexual success
bet9ja.com
15 May 2019

An advert for a betting firm seen on the dating app Tinder has actually been banned for connecting gambling to sexual success.

The ad for William Hill, which was sent as a message to users, read: "Stuck in the good friend zone? You will not be for a lot longer if you utilize this promotion code Cheltenham [horse racing] free bet bet9ja's welcome offer."

It was followed by a link to download the William Hill app.

But the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said it should not appear again in its current type.

It said that, according to advertising rules, gambling advertisements should not link wagering to "seduction, sexual success or boosted appearance".

"We thought about that the text ... recommended that those who gambled would be more most likely to establish a friendship into a sexual relationship and for that reason linked betting with sexual success," it stated.
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William Hill initially safeguarded the March advert after a consumer complained.
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The company stated customers who registered would "enter into a relationship with William Hill", and the advert was expected to relate this to the nature of business they were marketing on .

It stated it was not its intent to link gambling to sexual success.

However, upon reflection it concurred the advertisement might have been misinterpreted and took it down willingly.
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William Hill said: "We take on board what the ASA have actually stated about this promotion code particular advert and have removed it from flow."
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Tinder meanwhile stated it had actually examined the ad before publishing it, finding it was not socially irresponsible, offending or targeting minors.

'Speechless'

Campaigners have actually been requiring harder policy of betting advertising.
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One, the Bishop of St Albans, Dr Alan Smith, stated he was "left speechless" by ads like William Hill's.
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"The gambling market's technique to self-regulation appears farcical as more of these adverts are exposed. I fear some betting companies are now running under a 'don't get caught' mentality.
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"The ASA's robust action must be a wake-up call to the industry."

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