BetVictor Promotion Featuring Football Stars Deemed Irresponsible by UK Advertising Authority
The United Kingdom’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) made a judgment against a BetVictor social media promotion that displayed Barcelona footballers Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The ASA determined the advertisement was reckless because it had the potential to be attractive to minors.
BetVictor contended that the athletes are not major celebrities like Messi or Ronaldo, and had not competed against any English or Welsh clubs lately. They believed this signified the advertisement would not be of interest to children.
Nevertheless, the ASA highlighted their more recent regulations (implemented in 2022) explicitly declare that wagering promotions should not utilize individuals who could be seen as idols by youth, or who are likely to be appealing to them.
Felix Faulkner, an attorney from the legal practice, remarked on the judgment. He noted that this resolution provides everyone with a more precise understanding of who the ASA feels should be adhering to these updated promotional regulations, particularly regarding sports figures.
This marks the initial instance of a judgment encompassing players beyond the United Kingdom leagues. This demonstrates an expansion beyond the original scope of the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) regulations issued in the preceding October.
