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Sportsbet urges heavy punters to ‘Take a Break’ from gambling in new TV campaign

Sportsbet is telling mates to look out for each other in a campaign promoting its new ‘Take a Break’ feature, at a time when scrutiny is being placed on the activities of bookies.

The online betting company has released two TV ads urging people to read the signs of when they are too into their betting, one featuring a man shaking his leg in an agitated way and another displaying some outlandish behaviour.

It comes on the day the Commercial TV Codes of Conduct have been updated placing a blanket ban on any gambling ads being shown on programs rated G, C or P between 6am and 8.30am and 4pm and 7pm on, and in any show aimed at children until 8.30pm on any free-to-air channels.

The peak marketer body the AANA has also launched a public consultation to discuss rules around gambling marketing, while NSW is moving to ban live odds being broadcast during sports fixtures in a bid to curb problem gambling.

The new feature in the app allows people to set a period of time between 24 hours and permanently blocking them from accessing it in that time.

Sportsbet is targeting men between 18-54 with the campaign with the Take a Break messaging going out in shows including Nine’s cricket coverage, The Project, The Block, Top Gear and The Big Bang Theory.

“Take A Break is an innovative new product and we want consumers to know about it and the other responsible gambling services we provide,” saidsportsbet.com.au’s Marketing Director Barni Evans.

“We know our customers appreciate and use our Responsible Gambling tools. Thousands of customers have set a limit on how much they can deposit into their account over a set time period, so we expect Take A Break to be similarly popular.”

“We’ve seen an encouraging uptake of Take a Break prior to the campaign. There’s no doubt the ads will have the impact we’re aiming for and drive the message that wagering should be fun and conducted responsibly.”

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