Online Bookie cancel Paul Merson Deal
6th April, 2009
Online Bookie, BetterBet.com have announced that the new campaign with former England footballer, Paul Merson will be cancelled. Merson, who was due to become the face of Better Bet's advertising and Promotions, will no longer be used.
Having battled gambling addiction himself, it was a surprise to many that Merson would feature in adverts used by Better Bet.com. However the deal has now been cancelled partly because of several complaints.
A spokesman for Better Bet.com said, “He is better known these days as a Sky pundit and former footballer. We have used him to meet customers and sign autographs and he has been on posters. We haven't had any negative comments about what he has done previously.'
The move could have potential damaged the brand reputation for the relatively new internet bookies who also have their own high street store. In spite of this Ian Hogg, Managing Director for better bet said, “We like Paul a lot. I wouldn't want it to be seen in any way that we didn't want to work with Paul.'
Merson's battle against drug and gambling addiction was well publicized, however he now works as a pundit for Sky Sports.
