Online Poker Advert Banned by Ad Watchdog
15th June, 2009
Online Poker firm, Swank Poker, has found its latest advertising campaign banned, after complaints over it linking gambling to sexual success were reported to the Advertising Standards Association.
According to the Guardain.co.uk the magazine campaign, which ran in a poker and gambling title ‘Flush’, featured a woman cupping her breasts under the strapline “Will you hold this pair for me?”
According to the Guardain.co.uk, the magazine campaign, which ran in a poker and gambling title ‘Flush’, featured a woman cupping her breasts under the strapline “Will you hold this pair for me?”
The complaint was filed by the Remote Gambling Association (RGA), who stated that the advert was in violation of advertising codes, linking gambling to seduction and sexual success. The RGA also suggested that the adverts were not socially responsible, and did not protect children and other vulnerable people.
Disputing the allegations, Swank Poker said, “Instead of offering caps and T-shirts we offer rewards that are legally sold, but which happened to be of an adult nature.”
Despite this the Advertising Standards Association ruled in favour of the RGA’s complaint, stating that the advert was inappropriate and broke advertising codes, ruling that the ad should not appear again.
However the ASA also ruled in favour of Swank Poker on the second allegation stating that due to the target audience of the magazine being 25- 40, they were practising adequate social responsibilities.
By Rommon
