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UK Advertising Standards Authority Goes after Betstars

ASA TACKLES BETSTARS, LADBROKES AND MATCHBOOK

All found in breach of CAP codes

A BetStars advertisement was under the microscope by the UK Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) after receiving a single complaint.

A banner on the home page of the complainant, and BetStars account holder, offered “Money back up to £/$/€10 if your first spin and bet loses. Bet now …".

When the money back wasn’t returned to the punter as a cash refund but in the form of free bets the complainant claimed the ad was misleading.

BetStars admitted that an error had occurred that excluded the text explaining the money back would be in the form of a free bet and assured the ASA it would not happen again.

Another complainant felt an email from Triplebet Ltd t/a Matchbook was misleading because it promised a “"Risk-free bet on England v Wales". Text in the email stated "… we are giving you an in-play risk-free bet on your mobile for the game … If your bet loses, we will refund your stake up to £25. Its a win win for you!".

Having placed a bet, the complainant did not receive the advertised refund.  Matchbook also admitted to a “mistake” in its terms and conditions and was told by the ASA to ensure it didn’t happen again and that all future ads included significant limitations and qualifications to their offers.

Last but not least, Ladbrokes was taken to task for an email promotion that a complainant felt appealed to children. 

The ad stated “Ladbrokescasino [sic] … 10 FREE SPINS + 90 SPINS EXTRA” and featured an image of Iron Man with the text “IRON MAN 3 … Enjoy this exclusive Ladbrokes welcome offer with Iron Man 3”.

Ladbrokes denied the claim saying all its mail recipients were 18-years-and-older and that Iron Man had a stronger following by adults than children.

The ASA ruled that because of the availability of various related Iron Man toys and the comic book nature of the ad that there was an appeal to children which breached the CAP Code.  Ladbrokes was instructed to ensure it didn’t happen again.